Operate with an eye on quality, not the next survey cycle
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 16, 2012
The anxiety associated with an impending survey should be offset by the fact that the nursing facility holds the secret to its own success – the knowledge of its customers.
Are narrow networks going to yield the best result?
By
Steven Littlehale
Jun 11, 2015
In the future, the skilled nursing facility of choice (by other provider partners) won’t be defined by a single metric but rather by a multifaceted scale that considers resident needs, strengths...
What will it cost you to stay in the post-acute care game?
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 22, 2015
More than just collecting data, providers need to use standardized, nationally recognized measures. Especially in this era of ACOs and alternative payment models. In the past, many individual providers...
Survey and certification: Level that playing field!
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 11, 2012
As you engage in quality improvement efforts, put together data-driven marketing materials, complete a HUD refinance application, or talk with families and other community members take care to make sure...
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...
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...
Fiscal Year 2015: Can you handle it?
By
Steven Littlehale
Oct 23, 2014
It’s that time of the year again! Do the shorter days have you thinking of colorful leaves, a harvest moon, ghouls and goblins on All Hallows’ Eve? Or were you a SNF provider waiting for the...
Be careful what you wish for
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 18, 2013
Last January, the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont approved a settlement agreement in the case of Jimmo vs Sebelius that alleged Medicare contractors were inappropriately applying an “improvement...
Analytically Speaking: MDS data accuracy
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 13, 2012
Since the late 1990’s, the Minimum Data Set has been a primary driver in the long-term care industry, influencing all areas of skilled nursing facility operations. With so much depending on it, ensuring...
The elephant in the room: PDPM clinical success metrics
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 28, 2020
Are we prepared to defend the increase in Patient Driven Payment Model revenue with superior clinical outcomes?