What do birthdays have to do with long-term care? Well, I’ve been having them long-term. And at this point, I’ve ceased to care. You probably see that statement for what it is, nothing but bitter bluster....
Caregiver training CPT codes finalized for CY 2024
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 09, 2023
In July we were pleased to share that the CY 2024 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule held exciting news for therapists and caregivers. These have now officially been finalized for use beginning...
‘Plateaued’ is not a medical description
By
Jean Wendland Porter
May 28, 2024
I’m starting to sound like a broken record (vinyl is coming back; the kids know what I mean), but I recently heard a therapist say the patient’s progress plateaued, so we have to stop therapy. Again. ...
Unlocking communication: The role of physical, occupational and speech therapy in aphasia
By
Renee Kinder
Jun 08, 2023
Aphasia, noun apha·sia ə-ˈfā-zh(ē-)ə Medical: loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage (as from a stroke, head injury, or infection) Aphasia,...
Prior authorization guidance for the rehab provider
By
Renee Kinder
Mar 30, 2023
As a rehab professional, is there anything more miserable than the gathering of stacks of documents and searching for records needed for pre-authorization? Awful scans, missing documents, and most importantly...
Leading through crisis
By
Kimberly Townsend
Aug 19, 2022
For leaders in the long-term care industry, the past few years have felt like one crisis after another. In 2020 we had a sudden and urgent need to protect staff and residents from COVID-19. Shortly after,...
CMS gets it right: Individuals receiving care will benefit from RN staffing mandate
By
Nancy Haugen
Oct 16, 2023
Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have long relied on licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVN) as the “backbone” of care to keep nursing salary costs low and increase profits,...
Flying V: Lessons for the interdisciplinary team
By
Renee Kinder
Feb 29, 2024
If there has been a theme in my world this month, it is the art of asking for help. Not just asking for help but doing so with the confidence of knowing I am surrounded by team members ready to step in...
Fatal contraction or flexible adaptation: Can we ‘flex’ the LTC sector?
By
Irving Stackpole
Oct 24, 2022
The contraction of both supply and demand of long-term care in the United States is becoming acute, especially given the flexibility needed for what lies ahead. The sector was in very serious shape...
Achoo! Springtime is PEPPER season
By
Renee Kinder
Apr 27, 2023
The sound of spring is in the air and irritants abound. The sniffling, sneezing and coughing is always a telltale sign of a change in seasons. April also brings to us the release of the Program for...