Time for Lean Thinking May 31, 2012

How does a 200 bed nursing home lower its medical/surgical/nursing supply expenses to $2.51 per patient per day (PPD) and maximize nursing care hours so that on average patients received four (4) hours of combined nursing care per day?  Perhaps the answer is the application of the principles and actions that are characteristics of Lean [...]

Virtual Solutions to Achieve Your Goals April 27, 2012

It is year two of Governor Cuomo’s Global Medicaid Budget, the Medicaid Redesign Teams (MRTs) and the transition to Medicaid payment from Managed Long Term Care Agencies (MLTCA).  Together they are creating a new fiscal paradigm for nursing homes. Although every new state budget is laced with potential reductions in reimbursement, a cap on Medicaid [...]

Health Care Reform V 2.0 world April 14, 2012

Whether you are a loyal NPR listener, a Fox News watcher, or somewhere in between, you are paying some attention to the three day testimony before the Supreme Court on Health Care Reform (otherwise known as “Obamacare”). It is interesting to hear the conclusion from all sides of the political spectrum that it could be [...]

The Value of the Not for Profit Nursing Home February 29, 2012

Larry Minnix, CEO of Leading Age, the not for profit national trade association, recently commented on a study published by Johns Hopkins University. The study reviewed the not for profit sector of the economy, including nursing homes. Mr. Minnix noted the loss of market share by the not for profit nursing homes. From a national [...]

The Weak Signals and Beyond January 17, 2012

In the realm of strategic management, there is a concept known as weak signals. Weak signals are the early signs that significant changes are coming to an industry. There are important weak signals that are aimed at nursing homes. If such signals are an early warning of a trend, they indicate significant challenge to the [...]

Preserving What’s Essential December 21, 2011

Readers of this Blog know that the Rockefeller Institute, the research arm of the SUNY system (www.rockinst.org) is a website that I visit frequently. A recent visit led me to an article about manufacturing in NYS (“Twenty-First Century Manufacturing: A Foundation for NY’s Economy,” 9/2010). The article described how manufacturing in NY employs 450,000 people [...]

In These Trying Time Try Something New! December 19, 2011

In these trying economic times there is a dearth of good news; here is what little there is. Based upon the latest data released by the Department of Health, NYS spending for Medicaid is two and half percent (2.5%) below budget through August 2011. This was accomplished as a result of the efforts of the [...]

It’s Beyond Ouch! October 25, 2011

I’ve been meeting with many Administrators and Chief Financial Officers, who are looking for ways to rationalize their 2012 budgets. One recent meeting sticks out as a result of a comment made by the Administrator. When I asked this individual how he was coping, his comment back to me was, “it’s beyond ouch! We are [...]

So Let’s Review! So Let’s Change Mindsets! September 20, 2011

As the third quarter comes to a close, the stark fiscal reality faced by nursing homes has become very clear. The reduced revenue numbers which are a direct result of recent government budget cuts are very bleak. These cuts bring urgency to these facilities as they compel operators to make significant adjustments in their mindset, [...]

If GM Can Do It…. August 2, 2011

The most recent Blogs have been about paradigm shifts and how organizations must respond to them to survive. Whether the organization is a Swiss Watch manufacturer or a nursing home; when there are fundamental changes in a market, adaptation is not an option-it is a necessity. Getting ahead of the change or adapting in a [...]