CMS updates coding instructions for hospice site of service, principal diagnosis
By
Tim Mullaney
Sep 02, 2014
A new Medicare hospice manual update includes instructions for which principal diagnosis codes are acceptable, and clarifies which codes should be used for services in a skilled versus non-skilled nursing...
The nursing home survey system is about to get a much closer look
By
John O'Connor
Aug 29, 2014
You had to know this was coming. Earlier this week, the New York Times reported that many nursing homes are submitting massaged staffing and quality indicator data to the feds. The alleged reason? So facilities...
CMS: Discharge assessments must be completed when residents transfer to a non-certified bed within the...
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 28, 2014
Skilled nursing facilities must complete a discharge assessment when a resident is transferred from a certified to a non-certified bed, even if both beds are in the same building, the Centers for Medicare...
Also in the news for August 27, 2014 . . .
Aug 27, 2014
Dementia sharply increases stroke risk … CMS releases training tool to build respect for LGBT long-term care residents … Canes fitted to the hip are better for stroke patients … ‘Mindfulness’...
Readmission penalty categories inspire more analysis and opportunity
Aug 25, 2014
The Medicare stakes are about to get higher.
CMS: Many skilled nursing providers have poor Medicare certification and recertification practices
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 22, 2014
The rate of improper Medicare payments to skilled nursing facilities has increased largely due to issues with certification and recertification statements, according to a recently released government memorandum....
Report: Long-term care providers pay the price for CMS’ poor auditor oversight
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 14, 2014
Long-term care and other providers could be facing unfair burdens due to ineffective government oversight of Medicare auditors, according to a new report from a federal watchdog agency.
Reducing emotion in long-term care
By
Elizabeth Newman
Aug 14, 2014
Long-term care may be a calling, but it’s still a job, and it’s an industry that would be served by a reduction of emotion. That’s especially true when discussing the government, which...
Medicare Advantage organizations are unresponsive to provider questions, long-term care professionals...
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 07, 2014
Several skilled nursing facility workers expressed frustration regarding communications with Medicare Advantage organizations during a public call with government officials Wednesday. Centers for Medicare...
Why be optimistic when anxiety is an option?
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 06, 2014
Depending on how you like to interpret the news, nursing home operators are either facing some of the worst of times, or they’ve been infused with new life.