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!
When the rules change, not everyone wins: Counting IC deficiencies in Five-Star
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 05, 2021
Do you remember how, as you were growing up, there was always another kid who would change the rules mid-game to ensure that he won? I do, and it would always make my blood boil. The Centers for Medicare...
Risk mitigation strategies for supporting employees too!
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 03, 2023
Last month I wrote about risk. I shared that risk in a nursing home originates from many places: residents and families, federal and state regulators, vendors, payers, insurance companies, referral sources...
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...
What the government gives, the government can take away: Why you should CARES
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 15, 2020
“Don’t worry about it. Take the money. We’ll deal with the details later,” said no one ever — especially not the federal government.
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.
Sometimes you don’t need a predictive analytic when common sense will do
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 08, 2019
Once again, we’re seeing that the importance of Five-Star outcomes has increased at a greater velocity than a cupcake out of the Magnolia Bakery.