Establishing processes to utilize root cause analysis for quality improvement is necessary, but it takes discipline. One of the first steps is to challenge your own beliefs about safety and quality failures.
Are your Ultra High RUGs putting you at risk?
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 22, 2016
The 2016 Office of Inspector General work plan calls for increased scrutiny of the Ultra High therapy billing category because the amount of this therapy delivered has increased over time, despite resident...
Loopholes to help you track Medicare Part B therapy billing
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Feb 06, 2013
Every time we send our patients to the hospital for rehab-related tests, exams or services, these services are billed to Medicare Part B, and, therefore, reduce our cap allowances. Any small oversights...
The Manual Medical Review mess
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Oct 29, 2012
What a mess — and that’s probably an understatement! Medicare Part B decided to roll out its new manual medical review process by dividing providers into three phases. If you are unfortunate to...
Global sand shortage threatens long-term care
By
Gary Tetz
Aug 09, 2018
Did you know we’re experiencing a global sand shortage right now? Please don’t panic, however. This only affects long-term care if your existing properties or future projects require glass...
The resident’s ‘right to refuse’
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Aug 28, 2012
Therapy services can be a tricky business when working with residents with a history of “behavioral issues.”
Strategic goals: Do your goals align with the goals of CMS?
By
Martie Moore
Apr 27, 2018
Many times as leaders we feel that our actions are prescribed by entities beyond our immediate needs of those we serve.
Lessons Learned: What falling out of the sky taught me
By
Martie Moore
Jan 05, 2018
Suddenly the plane dropped and items went flying, including people. We heard the strange noise again and realized that this was not normal turbulence.
The angry hippo writes
By
Gary Tetz
May 19, 2016
Don’t you just hate it when you’re having a bad, horrible, rotten, unpleasant day, when you’re maybe feeling a little irritated or resentful or hurt or afraid, and then somebody comes...
How’s Your M-4 power? No it’s not the latest gadget, but a strategy for success!
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 18, 2015
As the year comes to a close, we naturally reflect on how much has changed and, conversely, how much remains the same. This year it seems easier to identify the changes that post-acute providers have encountered...