Length-of-stay — LOS — is one of those management reports that often leaves administrators and upper management bewildered. If you increase LOS, you essentially increase your census.
Here’s how you can effectively schedule rehab
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Nov 14, 2011
When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services implemented its latest rounds of new and stricter regulations, the groan was heard throughout nursing homes across the country. But, I have good news:...
How to make your nursing facility RAC-ready
By
Bryan Baird
Nov 08, 2011
As skilled nursing facilities adjust to the changes to Medicare that arrived early last month, they must be ready for Recovery Audit Contractors. RACs are independent auditors for the government that are...
CMS did more than ‘just’ cut Medicare pay by 11.1%
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Aug 19, 2011
Have you started your COT trending analysis? On Aug. 8, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the final ruling and commentary for the new implementation of the MDS changes set to take effect...
Nursing homes merit greater attention in debate about deficit reduction
By
Mark Gloth, D.O.
Aug 01, 2011
As President Obama and Congress continue to evaluate a multitude of different ways to reduce Medicare spending, it is more important than ever for lawmakers to understand the critical role nursing homes...
Will music improve MDS 3.0 scores?
By
Dan Cohen, MSW
Jun 22, 2011
Using iPods to reconnect long-term care residents with their favorite music is a simple intervention with great upside potential and no side effects. They’re an inexpensive tool that can have a positive...
Care transitions becoming more crucial
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 17, 2011
It seems the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston ought to be getting a lot more attention from its peers. The center has successfully implemented a multi-pronged approach to lower rehospitalizations.
CMS conference call Wednesday to focus on RUG-IV, MDS 3.0
Jun 21, 2010
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will host a conference call Wednesday to discuss the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Resource Utilization Group-Version 4 (RUG-IV).
Report: Nursing home therapy reimbursement under review as reform law toughens up
Mar 30, 2010
Healthcare analysts at the Department of Health and Human Services are re-evaluating Medicare’s “ultra-high” billing category for therapy services in skilled nursing facilities as a potential...
Apply outcomes measurement to therapy services
By
Bill Goulding
Mar 09, 2010
Outcomes measurement is a powerful tool that can help demonstrate the quality of therapy your long-term care facility is providing. Why not give it a try?