Technology & IT

IBM to buy Merge Healthcare for $1B

IBM continues its buying spree by capturing Merge Healthcare, bringing IBM's Watson data analytics technology to the world of medical images--providing new research data to improve electronic medical records, wearables, and more. Read More »

Technology advancements improve documentation and care

Point-of-care (POC) technology solutions reduce costs and improve quality of care for hospice, home health providers. Read More »

Brian Jurutka named new NIC president

The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) welcomes a new president with plenty of data analytics and strategic partnership skills.  Read More »

Improving your website on a budget

Three long-term care marketing professionals weigh in on the 5 things any community can do to make its website more friendly to prospective customers, even on a tight budget. Read More »

Online marketing for assisted living

More seniors and their families are using the Internet to evaluate and "window shop" for assisted living communities. What does your website say about you? Read More »

Partnerships@Work: 5 strategies for introducing staff to an EHR

Getting staff on board with a new electronic health record (EHR) can be daunting. A Connecticut provider shares how concerted training efforts with its EHR system vendor helped ensure a smooth transition for staff and residents. Read More »

ONC creates roadmap for Health IT Safety Center

An Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology task force has created a roadmap to improve identification and sharing of information on health IT-related safety events. Read More »

Proposed CMS rule would require health information exchange for LTC

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services wants all nursing homes and long-term care facilities to participate in health information exchange. Read More »

‘Smart’ patch could nix insulin injections

A penny-sized patch under development could replace daily insulin injections for diabetics. Read More »

Eldermark introduces mobile-based nurse call system

The system works online or offline with Apple, Microsoft and Android devices.  Read More »

American HealthTech launches RCM suite

Eligibility verification is step one in capturing revenue cycle management data to improve financial efficiency. Read More »

Bill would allow FDA to regulate medication information on social media

If the proposed bill is passed, drug information can soon be found on social media platforms.  Read More »

CMS won’t deny ICD-10 claims for a year

In response to requests from the provider community, CMS is releasing additional guidance that will aim to allow for flexibility in the claims auditing and quality reporting process Read More »

Word recognition tests for early-onset Alzheimer’s

What's the difference between "curtains" and "sgarnce"? Recognizing real words among nonsense words could help diagnose early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

HHS launches online tool for disaster readiness

The tool helps plan ahead to meet the emergency needs of community residents who rely on electrically powered medical and assistive equipment to live independently at home. Read More »

EHRs and predictive analytics help prevent falls in nursing homes

A study shows that eletcronic health record data combined with predictive analytics can help prevent falls in the elderly. Read More »

HIEs could improve patient outcomes for nursing homes

Communication through health information exchanges could help nursing homes improve patient outcomes. Read More »

Study shows benefits of wearable ventilation technology in respiration therapy

Wearable ventilation device can increase physical activity in those with chronic respiratory disease, notes a new study. Read More »

Turn your data into dollars. Why quality is the new currency.

Performance-based reimbursement requires an efficient approach to documentation and data collection. Between readmission penalties and the IMPACT Act of 2014, the data we use to demonstrate quality outcomes is quickly becoming the currency of our business. Success in the changing reimbursement models means we need to take a data-driven, proactive approach to improving care and quality of life in nursing homes.The Affordable Care Act of 2010 resulted in a provision to develop standards we now know as “QAPI” programs or Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement programs.QAPI is the foundation.Click here to read more. Read More »

Nurses revamp discharge summaries

A project led by nurses is attempting to automate the discharge process to reduce hospital readmissions. Read More »

Detailed brain imaging advances Alzheimer’s treatment options

Advanced imaging technology could help treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Read More »

Medalogix partners with Homecare Homebase

The partnership between Medalogix and Homecare Homebase will provide analytics to an already well-known long-term care software solution. Read More »

MatrixCare add EHR interfaces for therapy data

Therapy services documentation and billing just got easier as a leading electronic health record vendor adds interfaces for therapy data. Read More »

LTC professionals take their message to Congress

UPDATED June 23, 2015: Congressional actions got a few steps closer to repealing two key Obamacare provisions--the medical device tax and the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Read More »

Bayer to divest its diabetes care business

Panasonic Healthcare Holdings to buy diabetes care business, including several popular blood glucose monitor devices, from Bayer AG. Read More »

Caremerge launches chronic care coordination solution

Bridging the gap between physicians, residents and families, Caremerge launches a chronic care management solution that takes care coordination reimbursement into account. Read More »

Walgreens announces expansion of 24/7 telemedicine app

Walgreens is jumping on the telemedicine bandwagon by launching a 24/7 mobile app for consumers. Read More »

Frequency-embedded fabric aids circulation

A wearable fabric device that uses electromagnetic pulses can boost blood flow and blood oxygen levels, its developer says. Read More »

New Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Reporting Guidelines

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued various documents related to the electronic submission of staffing and census information in an effort to promote greater accountability for long-term care facilities. Referred to as “Payroll Data Submission – Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Reporting,” this new reporting structure will be mandatory effective July 1, 2016.Read on to learn about the goals of PBJ, what these additional requirements mean to providers, how to approach and implement the changes, and how to address the challenges that must be considered.Click here to read more Read More »

Nurses’ use of smartphones on the rise

A new survey shows a rise in nurses' use of smartphones in clinical settings. Read More »