MDS data quality: Things are not always as they seem
By
Steven Littlehale
Jul 15, 2013
Open up the hood and look at the engine. Does the data scrubbing module focus only on standard CMS coding and consistency checks and the “RUG” items, or is it more robust and emphasize clinical...
Bingo: The road to ruins or the road to riches?
By
Steven Littlehale
May 21, 2018
Grandma sure liked her bingo. She excelled at bingo and most card games. Even in games that seemed to involve no skill at all, Grandma almost always emerged the winner.
Where were YOU when CMS changed the Five-Star rating system?
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 20, 2015
Some things will always stay etched in our mind. Where were you on February 12, when CMS publicly announced immediate changes to the Five Star Quality Rating System for Nursing Homes?
The cheese has moved … will Sniff find it?
By
Steven Littlehale
Aug 23, 2017
Imagine my surprise when several people came bearing the shocking news that “the MDS will not matter anymore” and that RCS-1 is “the end of the MDS.” Wait, what? Not on your life!
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...
A survey and regulatory review of 2013
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 24, 2014
It’s important to do a review that considers your region and state. Identify how complaints and care deficiencies were handled last year.
Asking for the medical record
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 29, 2014
Millions of dollars have been paid by nursing homes who unsuccessfully defended themselves against incomplete or absent documentation. There are not as many legal guidelines regarding medical records maintenance...
Does cognitive impairment contribute to SNF-to-hospital transition?
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 28, 2018
Exceptional SNF utilized appropriate structure, process and outcome measures. Despite this, however, it might have better been called “Mediocre SNF.”
Have you met Jimmo’s stepbrother Jimmo?
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 21, 2017
Therapy utilization will be as scrutinized as much as it ever has been, even though the “improvement standard” has once again been deemed deceased.
The heightened requirement for data-driven discharge planning
By
Steven Littlehale
Jul 20, 2016
It’s fascinating to observe the evolution of business processes regarding transitions of care.