The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday announced that it will test a new payment model for nursing facilities in an effort to reduce avoidable rehospitalizations, lower combined Medicare and Medicaid spending and improve care quality.

Studies have repeatedly proven that there is a link between movement and longevity. Just last month a new study of 3,000 50-79 year olds showed that the least active among the participants were five times more likely to die than the most active (via Medical News Today).

Due to obesity and other lifestyle factors, the incidence of stroke among young people is increasing rapidly. 10% of strokes now occur in those aged 18-50, and some suggest that the percentage of young victims may be even higher. What are the implications for rehab providers?

The results of a recent study at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine found that freezing nerves through cryoneurolysis before knee replacement surgery led to better outcomes.

Functional status is a frequently overlooked risk factor for readmissions and is a more valuable predictor of readmission risk than medical comorbidities in the medically complex inpatient rehabilitation population. The results of this study add to the growing body of evidence that functional status is an important predictor of readmissions.

Combining proven technology and equipment with clinical expertise is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes. See how the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill is helping patients in Youngstown, Ohio recover. [Video]

When the leadership at Mercy Hospital St. Louis wanted to expand the hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation service offerings and move them offsite, they found a natural partner in Kindred Hospital Rehabilitation Services. Hear directly from Mercy about why the partnership has been a success.

Family members have a considerable influence on hospitalization decisions, but sometimes a family may demand hospital care when a hospital isn’t the best or only choice. This can lead to inefficiencies and high costs.

Earlier this week, on November 16th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CCJR) final rule. This establishes a mandatory demonstration for a hospital-controlled, bundled payment for lower extremity joint replacement patients.

In an effort to directly involve patients in their care, CMS proposed a new rule late last week that would change discharge planning requirements for acute hospitals and settings across the post-acute continuum. CMS’ focus was in driving consumer-centered healthcare in alignment with the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act).