Articles of Interest

For many young people, nursing homes are invisible—rarely discussed and often portrayed as symbols of decline. A Gallup/West Health poll found that nearly 70% of Americans feel uncomfortable at the thought of being admitted to one. Younger generations often imagine these places as sterile, sad, or even frightening. But what if those perceptions are wrong? What happens when young people step inside and see aging not as an end, but as a continuation of life? 

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The most fundamental principle in geriatric and long-term care medicine: ensure every treatment order aligns with the resident's values and goals of care—eliciting these is a core skill for long-term care physicians. Ethical frameworks for artificial nutrition and hydration reinforce this goals-concordant approach. A new tension has arisen in the nursing home because of additional and significant payment for parenteral IV feeding and medication under PDPM. Select the link above to read more.

In November 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the final phase of a trauma-informed care (TIC) provision for post-acute and long-term care. Early on, there were some questions and uncertainties about how to implement and document TIC. Five years later, facilities generally have a greater understanding of what CMS expects and how they can provide and document TIC effectively. 

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PALTmed recently led a coalition of organizations in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reverse reductions to practice expense payments for services provided in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The cuts reduce payments to clinicians caring for patients in SNFs, even though physicians and advanced practice providers incur the same practice expenses when caring for patients in nursing homes, regardless of facility designation. Select the link above to read more.