January 1 will put new evaluation codes for physical and occupational therapy into effect and we all better be paying close attention.
Whose life is it anyway?
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Sep 21, 2023
My family is full of therapists, and most of us work in skilled nursing. My sister, an experienced speech language pathologist, called to commiserate about one of her patients who had difficulty swallowing. ...
Increasing length-of-stay
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jan 30, 2012
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.
Sacred moments in the therapy gym
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 14, 2018
I haven’t perched in a tree waiting for Bigfoot, or spent a morning with binoculars in a rowboat on Loch Ness. But I recently had a ringside seat for one of those elusive rehab therapy triumphs —...
The G-codes are here for payment claims — ready or not
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
May 23, 2013
Effective July 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will begin rejecting claims received for Medicare Part B patients that do not include the new requirement of G-coding. That really means providers...
Standing tall for veterans
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 09, 2017
Procedural memory is a fascinating mechanism, a construct of long-term memory and is the form of memory which “we learn by doing,” including singing, riding a bike — and saluting, for some.
Reason for referral: Documentation tips for therapists
By
Renee Kinder
Mar 14, 2024
If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen. How many times have we all heard those words? Today, I would like for us all to consider not merely the importance of documenting daily skilled care but...
NASL — the little engine that does
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 03, 2018
The National Association for the Support of Long-Term Care is currently enjoying its moment in the sun, in more ways than one.
SNF Therapy Myths: Busted!
By
Renee Kinder
Feb 16, 2017
There are many myths surrounding rehab services in skilled nursing facilities. They often come from a lack of understanding of skilled care and a need to increase knowledge of Medicare regulations. I’ll...
A study that may never be done — but should
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 28, 2013
Government agencies and lobbyists are famous for conducting studies that prove a point — theirs, namely. That’s why I’ll be very interested to see who will have the courage to conduct one...