Post-Acute Advisor

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view.

Just 48 minutes of physical activity per week can increase physical function significantly in seniors

It’s no secret that exercise is good for the body, and this fact doesn’t decrease with agebut physical function does. A study appearing in PLOS One that observed the effect physical activity can have on seniors ages 70-89 with functional limitations reports that “an important but understudied issue in physical activity trials in older adults is intervention adherence and the minimum dose necessary to achieve benefit.” After observing seniors for 2.6 years to address these issues, the study concluded that moderate exercise is effective in improving seniors’ mobility issues and overall physical function. The study also concluded that the time spent on physical activity matters. The magic number? 48 minutes.

CMS releases new facility assessment tool

Last week, CMS provided information about its new facility assessment tool during an MLN Connects call and presentation. The tool, which is optional and can either be used as is or adapted by nursing home providers, provides a template for facilities to use when conducting their facility-wide assessment, which is a new requirement under Phase 2 of the Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities final rule.

Need help connecting with candidates?

Post your open jobs on HCPro’s Career Center in front of the most qualified group of professionals within our industry. 25% off any product – Use coupon code: QualityCandidates

Medicare exemptions granted for providers affected by Irma

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is granting exceptions under certain Medicare quality reporting and value-based purchasing programs to acute care hospitals, PPS-exempt cancer hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, renal dialysis facilities, long-term care hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers located in areas affected by Hurricane Irma due to the devastating impact of the storm.

Providers encouraged to participate in new emergency preparedness surveyor training

On September 1, CMS announced in a memo the release of the emergency preparedness (EP) online training course for surveyors, who will begin surveying for requirements on November 15, 2017. All surveyors are required to take this course; newly hired surveyors will take the course during their State Survey Agency orientation; and providers are encouraged to participate in the training course as well.

Home health agency helps elderly displaced by Harvey find homes

A Texas-based home health agency is teaming up with the Red Cross to help senior citizens forced into shelters after Hurricane Harvey.

Bill introduced to remedy LTC staffing shortages, increase workforce training

This week Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Congresswoman Doris Matsui, co-chairs of the Senior Task Force, introduced a bill to the House that aims to increase investment in geriatric training and caregiver programs for the nation’s long-term care workforce as a way to remedy the worker shortage.

New in the September issue of PPS Alert for Long-Term Care:

FAQs: Consolidated Billing for SNFs

Since its introduction in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting, consolidated billing (CB) has been one of the most routine yet misunderstood methods for SNFs to secure Medicare reimbursement. To better grasp the complex principles, regulations, and systems that surround consolidated billing, SNFs must first have a solid foundation in Medicare Part A coverage and criteria.

New Survey Process Training Tools

Phase 2 of the new survey process is coming…are you ready?

CMS delayed financial penalties for facilities found to be in noncompliance with Phase 2 regulations, but surveys will still begin November 28, 2017. Developing an effective survey compliance program now in line with the new requirements will keep your facility citation free, so you can focus on resident care. Know your survey, prepare for your survey, and be survey ready!

Activities: Create a compliant activities program for your facility

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ latest revised Conditions of Participation place a stronger emphasis on person-centered care and resident preferences, a realm where activities serve as a core concept. However, current residents are more discerning than ever before and have different interests than they used to. Planning and designing new activities that fit diverse resident needs, all while keeping them active and engaged, is a major challenge for long-term care professionals.

Billing: Comply with claims submissions to avoid common billing errors

Rising healthcare costs and quickly depleting Medicare funds have put federal agencies up against a red hot timeline to rein in costs by uncovering instances of waste, fraud, and abuse, leaving some facilities with large settlement fines and in some extreme cases, jail sentences.

With value-based purchasing transforming the long-term care billing landscape, billers need to bill appropriately to avoid submitting inaccurate claims and ensure that they are not leaving money on the table.

Staff competencies: Leading change with enthusiasm

When challenges arise in a facility, nurse leaders are often called upon to lead change with adaptability, empowerment, innovation, and critical thinking. To ensure your staff are encouraged to be the best they can be, they need positive supervision and the skills, tools, and momentum to meet new staff competency requirements.

Product Spotlight

Skilled Nursing Facility Billing Boot Camp

Skilled Nursing Facility Billing Boot Camp provides hands-on, how-to education focusing on billing for Medicare Part A and B, the ins and outs of consolidated billing, accurately completing the UB-04. Plus, guidance on understanding the SNF coverage criteria and a breakdown of the different beneficiary notices.

Attendees will be able to return to their facility with the tools they need to understand the latest billing and reimbursement regulations, plus how to navigate the many billing processes to ensure their SNF is receiving appropriate reimbursement for services provided.

Billers Association Members (BAM) save 10% off the registration fee!

Upcoming CMS Events

Tuesday, September 19, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, ET - Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program Billing Rules Call

Wednesday, September 20, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, ET - Reporting Hospice Quality Data: Tips for Compliance Call

Thursday, September 21 - CMS SNF/Long-Term Care Open Door Forum

Tuesday, September 26, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, ET - PQRS: Feedback Reports and Informal Review Process for PY 2016 Results Call: Physician Quality Reporting System

Thursday, September 28, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, ET - Special Open Door Forum: The IMPACT Act and Improving Care Coordination

Thursday, September 28, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, ET - Physician Compare Call

customerservice@hcpro.com | www.hcmarketplace.com

You are receiving this message at newsletter@newslettercollector.com as a benefit from HCPro. If you prefer not to receive messages like this in the future, click here to remove yourself from this list or change your email preferences. Your request will be processed within 10 days, as required by law. You may receive additional promotions within that time.

©2016 HCPro, a division of BLR® All rights reserved
75 Sylvan Street, Suite A-101, Danvers, MA 01923 | Phone: 800-650-6787 | Fax: 800-785-9212

MAGNET(TM), MAGNET RECOGNITION PROGRAM(R), and ANCC MAGNET RECOGNITION(R) are trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The products and services of HCPro are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the ANCC. The acronym "MRP" is not a trademark of HCPro or its parent company.

HCPro is not affiliated in any way with The Joint Commission, which owns the JCAHO and Joint Commission trademarks; the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which owns the ACGME trademark; or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

HCPro is not affiliated in any way with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).