Occupancy rates should see a big boost in 2019

Read on to learn which facilities will benefit from the rebound

Over the past few months, SRX has brought you stories related to major regulatory changes affecting the industry. With many of these modifications set to debut before 2020, providers are taking stock of their financial situations. And while uncertainty always looms, some are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, one of the nation’s most prolific skilled nursing operators expects an occupancy surge next year.

Rick Matros, CEO of Sabra Health Care, reported generally positive results for the company’s second quarter of 2018. “The results for the quarter were in line with our expectations,” he said in a press release. “We expect that occupancy and coverages for our skilled nursing portfolio and the sector as a whole are close to bottom and that we will see an upturn in 2019.” A look at Sabra’s numbers suggest a positive outlook.

Patient Driven, Provider Approved

In addition to simplifying paperwork and introducing other cost-saving initiatives, the government’s ‘value-based transformations’ promise to reimburse providers based on value—not volume. The prospect signals huge changes for the Medicare community, and especially for skilled-nursing facilities working closely with the senior population.

In reference to the recent lawsuit and Medicare milestones, acting Attorney General Chad Readler said, “[The settlement] demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure that
Medicare providers do not place their own financial gain over patients’ clinical needs.”

Representatives from the Department of Health & Human Services also celebrated the landmark case, noting that “Those engaging in deceptive billing practices can expect an aggressive investigation to recover inappropriately obtained funds.”

So, what does it all mean for SNF administrators? Now more than ever, we stand confidently behind our quality care practices. When the PDPM debuts next year, we can expect to see significant profits knowing our patient outcomes are always superior.