More states are buying into the idea that cameras placed in facilitities can improve the quality of care in nursing homes.  One state started a program that allows individuals to borrow cameras to place in the rooms of their loved ones to monitor their care. Another state has instilled the same program after seeing its success elsewhere.So far the cameras have allowed families the opportunity to discuss better care options and appropriate care for their loved ones.

A nursing home facility has been cited for over-billing Medicare based on a state audit. The expenses billed to Medicare were not allowable expenses. Nursing home staff incorrectly populated a cost report, making the information about patient days incorrect. “As a result of these adjustments, as well as the adjustments to resident days and gross charges, overpayments made to the facility are estimated at $42,899.22 in overpayments made to the facility by the Medicaid Program, computed …

Nursing homes are now being offered incentives to reduce the amount of patients they send to hospitals. Readmissions to the hospital are often triggered by concerns of less reimbursement for more costly care that a patient needs and could receive at the hospital instead of a nursing home. In addition, nursing homes may desire to avoid questioning by family members for not sending a patient out with health concerns. Hospitals on the other hand want to avoid long hospital stays, because Medic…

A nursing home rated with only 2 stars has received a number of citations over the years. The nursing home was cited for issues such as failure to notify a doctor of a patient’s condition, a foul smell noted throughout the facility, and a patient on patient sexual assault. Other citations included food preparation issues, biohazard concerns, and medication errors.A medical transport driver that transported a kidney patient who died described interaction with the facility, based on her inte…

Two national newspapers recently publicized I formation from previously concealed documents about the level of care offered in the nation's VA nursing homes. The documents revealed ratings of the facilities in addition to other care documentation. Data revealed more than half of the VA facilities in America were ranked with only 1 star out of 5.The allowed families who saw care concerns to recognize the reason their loved ones were receiving such poor quality care.

A nursing home has received a higher rating this year despite its continued complaints of less than quality care. The wife of a patient at the facility who visits often describes a shortage of staffing, along with lack of care. She was surprised to hear of the higher rating.In the past the facility has been fine more than $17,000.