Articles

An analytics company that draws on data entered into skilled nursing facilities’ electronic medical records (EMRs) launched an infection surveillance system designed to capture signs of infection early – whether from COVID-19 or influenza – and slow outbreaks. Real Time Medical Systems, which is based in Linthicum Heights, Md., launched its DiseaseWatch data collection service in mid-June. It provides health care providers and SNFs with a centralized platform informed by EMR data. The platform is currently being used by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, an independent population health research center at the University of Washington, Real Time executive...read more

A Note to Our Readers Just one month ago Real Time planned to launch an informational piece on how to “Avoid Nursing Burnout” caused by a shortage of nurses in the acute and post-acute care communities. Our initial thought was to provide strategies focused on the use of different techniques and technologies that would alleviate challenges faced by an overworked and overwhelmed nursing workforce. Just when we thought the load carried by clinicians couldn’t get any heavier, they are now faced with an even more challenging environment due to COVID-19. So, we decided to change the direction of our blog...read more

With smartphones attached at the hip, apps that manage nearly every aspect of our lives, and social media feeds that keep us up-to-date, we may be connected 24/7, but real relationships still matter in business and in life. The key to any successful relationship requires that both parties prioritize transparency, trust, engagement, and collaboration. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." And nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to the partnership between Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and their post-acute care networks. With the shift towards value-based care,...read more

Zimmet Healthcare recently wrote that PDPM is a “monumental improvement.” And, it is. For those of us who have spent hours, days, months, and even years prepping for PDPM, we’re satisfied with this new reimbursement model – even though there are plenty of concerns for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to address. Early reporting suggests that the per patient day ($PPD) revenue has improved, but it is not clear whether the aggregate Medicare reimbursement has improved, stayed the same, or decreased. Length of Stay (LOS), alternative payment models, and hospital referrals must be calculated into PDPM’s overall...read more