CMS to begin audits for schizophrenia coding, says citations will affect quality ratings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 19, 2023
The agency will start auditing nursing homes this month to determine whether residents’ schizophrenia diagnoses are accurate and appropriately coded. A pattern of inaccurate coding may result in a quality...
Report: 20 percent of nursing home residents receive antipsychotics
By
Kristen Fischer
Mar 20, 2024
A new report highlights the high number of nursing home residents who are prescribed antipsychotic drugs. Authors of the report say that, in most cases, the drugs aren’t clinically justified.
Study: Focusing on neurology — not just psychiatry — helps cut antipsychotic use in SNF residents
By
Kristen Fischer
Sep 29, 2023
A neurology-focused effort to reduce antipsychotic drugs in skilled nursing facilities lowered usage by 68% in people with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, according to a new report published...
CMS must refine data on antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes, OIG says
By
Alicia Lasek
May 07, 2021
The Minimum Data Set should not be CMS’ sole source for determining the number of nursing home residents using antipsychotic drugs, according to a new report from HHS’ Office of the Inspector General.
Prescribing patterns in nursing homes may impact that of assisted living neighbors, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 14, 2021
Antipsychotic and anti-anxiety prescribing in nursing homes may have an effect on prescribing in local and affiliated assisted living communities, investigators have found.
Feds’ antipsychotics program fails to reduce prescriptions in assisted living
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 23, 2022
In a federal initiative to reduce unnecessary antipsychotics prescribing, results in assisted living didn’t match the successes seen in nursing homes, a new study reveals.
Providers call for broader antipsychotic exclusions to help reduce schizophrenia diagnoses
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 31, 2023
Providers and quality experts are questioning why the agency hasn’t done more to review its quality measure for antipsychotic drug use.
Avoid antipsychotic use to lessen stroke risk in Alzheimer’s patients: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 29, 2021
The increased odds of experiencing a stroke within 60 days of starting treatment suggests that even short-term antipsychotic use should be avoided if possible, investigators contend.
Collaborative model helps reduce antipsychotic drug use
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 25, 2020
Training and support leads to discontinuation of antipsychotic meds in residents who do not have a diagnosis of psychosis or mental health issues, researchers have found. Notably, behavioral symptoms did...
Pandemic disrupted dementia care, increased antipsychotic prescriptions: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 26, 2023
Clinicians relied on these drugs to address behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia during the pandemic. Experts are calling for a new approach to assessing treatment needs.