A growing healthcare trend that will almost certainly ramp up in 2020 is “consumerism,” the concept that patients and their family members are taking even more ownership of care decisions based upon costs and their understanding of the full scope of options available to them based on research and trustworthy sources of information. In response, healthcare providers have been asked to respond with more price transparency and demonstrated quality outcomes. Read Full Post

Kindred Hospital Rehabilitation Services (KHRS) began working with our internal teams and partners in 2014 to prepare for the changes mandated through the IMPACT Act that would ultimately go into effect in 2019. In order to effectively transition from the long-used FIM tool to section GG, the IRF industry required a revised strategy with new tools, resources and training to succeed. In preparation for the changes to the new IRF-PAI system and new requirements, KHRS developed a comprehensive training and implementation plan to ensure a smooth transition for all of our hospital partners. Read Full Post

Trend to Watch: Healthcare Consolidation Aims to Close Gaps and Drive Value-Based Care In 2020, the continued – and growing – trend toward integrated production, including non-traditional partners, is helping to define an age of major transformation across the healthcare industry. While mergers and acquisitions between hospitals, health systems and physician practices may be waning, consolidation among unlikely partners has accelerated. These types of relationships include the ongoing integration between CVS and Aetna and the announced deal between Walmart and Amedysis. Read Full Post

A recent study conducted by the University of Texas Medical Branch adds to the research indicating that inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) are the best possible post-acute care option for patients who have suffered a stroke. Read Full Post

As value-based care reforms challenge hospitals to reduce costs and improve outcomes, one solution pursued by more and more hospitals and inpatient organizations is to outsource certain clinical and non-clinical services to third-party vendors. Read Full Post

Today’s healthcare environment is changing rapidly, resulting in increasing challenges for providers running acute rehabilitation programs. One of the most common obstacles is patient access. Read Full Post

Learn how partnering with an experienced rehab provider can position your facility for success in the new value-based environment.

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized a major new rule approximately one month ago to make significant changes to improve patient care and safety. The new rule’s compliance obligations, which will be implemented in three phases that begin this year and extend through 2019, represent the largest update the industry has seen since 1991. The “megarule" as some in the industry are calling it sets high standards for care and targets infections, hospital readmissions, staffing practices and resident safety among other areas.

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Participants of this year's Florida Health Care Association Annual Conference will be able to hear Elizabeth Barlow, Senior Director of Quality, and Matt Sivret, Division Vice President of Clinical Services discuss how therapy can affect facilities' five star ratings with CMS.

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Access RehabCare's webinar with McKnight's on how providers can best prepare for new payment models from CMS.

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