Post-Acute Advisor

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What we can learn about the floods in Texas

Many long-term care and senior living facilities are putting their disaster preparedness plans to the test this week as Hurricane Harvey causes what’s being referred to as severe, never-before-experienced flooding in Texas. One skilled nursing facility (SNF) is being recognized in the news for their life-saving evacuation plan.

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CMS ordered to impose penalties for incidents of unreported abuse/neglect in SNFs

According to an ongoing review of incidents of elder abuse and neglect in skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes, the OIG determined that problems still remain with the quality of care being delivered and the reporting and investigation of such incidents.

Hospice Compare released; hospices must step up efforts on pain assessments

Hospice Compare’s launch Aug. 16 confirms that, for the most part, hospices already perform well on the Hospice Item Set (HIS). But there’s still room for improvement on at least one measure — pain assessments.

Shared Savings Program ACOs reduced Medicare spending by $1 billion, according to OIG report

According to findings reported by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), accountable care organizations (ACOs) participating in the Shared Savings Program are learning how to achieve greater cost savings over time. The Medicare Shared Savings Program is one of the largest alternative payment models implemented by CMS to reward providers for the quality and value of their services in order to keep patients healthy and lower costs.

Nursing Home Compare lacks relevant information for short-stay patients, evidence suggests

Evidence collected by Harvard researchers Brian E. McGarry and David Grabowski suggests that information provided on the Nursing Home Compare website, a tool created by CMS to inform consumers about the quality of care and services being delivered by skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes through a data-driven, five-star ranking system, is more applicable to long-stay patients seeking post-acute care, leaving short-stay patients with little to base their decision off of.

Seniors among most vulnerable during Hurricane Harvey

As Hurricane Harvey hit Texas and the flood waters rose, vulnerable seniors were among those most in need of help.

CMS launches Jimmo Settlement Agreement webpage

Looking for information about the Jimmo Settlement Agreement? Visit the new Jimmo Settlement Agreement webpage for background on the settlement, links to resources, and frequently asked questions.

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

Not your mama’s PBJ

The PBJ reporting system, which will likely take years to perfect, is expected to be a viable solution for staffing reporting woes. However, it still has many kinks to be worked out—namely, how to account for the creative staffing that long-term care facilities must implement in order to cover their units while balancing countless federal regulations. This article reviews recent changes to the system, frequently asked questions and answers, and guidance from industry experts.

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

Wednesday, September 6, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, ET - IMPACT Act: Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary Measures Call

Thursday, September 7, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, ET - Nursing Home Facility Assessment Tool and State Operations Manual Revisions Call: Dementia Care in Nursing Homes

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

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