Post-Acute Advisor

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Which Phase 2 requirements do you need help with?

What Phase 2 requirement does your facility need help with in 2017? Let us know how we can help you tackle regulatory changes.

Facilities with a full-time nurse providing direct care to residents may have better chance of reducing avoidable hospitalizations

CMS’ final evaluation report of phase one of their Initiative to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations among Nursing Facility (NF) Residents found that intervention sites with a full-time nurse at each facility providing direct care to residents had the strongest improvements in both cost and quality. These models demonstrated greater changes in facility culture, greater support for the need to reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and greater overall buy-in to the Initiative from facility staff, resulting in stronger intervention effects.

A breakthrough in the Shingles vaccine offers 98% protection in the first year

Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash forms blisters that typically scab over in 7–10 days and clears up within two to four weeks. Before the rash develops, people often experience pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. This may occur anywhere from one to five days before the rash appears.

NAHC interim president: Odds of HHGM happening in 2019 are 50/50

The odds of the home health industry avoiding the Home Health Groupings Model in 2019 have worsened, an industry expert says.

Recruitment for pilot testing of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program

HEART Comprehensive Patient Assessment Instrument is now open. Deadline for applications is October 31, 2017.

Next SNF Open Door Forum scheduled for Thursday, November 2

The next SNF/LTC Open Door Forum is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2:00pm-3:00pm, ET.

Pre-employment screening can weed out potential thieves

With staffing shortages, high turnover rates, and increased competition for employees in the long-term care industry, it can be a race to make an offer and hire a prospective employee. However, pre-employment is not a step that facilities want to skip or rush.

CMS’ new infection control requirements: What you need to implement a successful antibiotic stewardship program

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that roughly 40–50% of antibiotics are prescribed incorrectly, with the possibility that nearly 50% of antibiotics are given for too long in nursing homes. These numbers highlight the shortfalls that may exist in long-term care staff education when it comes to antibiotic usage.

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

34 elements of a successful dementia care program

Policy and procedures for special care units must meet state-specific requirements, federal requirements, and organizational expectations. However, a dementia care program that exceeds these requirements and expectations will result in quality outcomes, customer satisfaction, staff longevity, and a rewarding experience for all care team members. The following elements and tools are essential for a successful dementia care program and can be useful in evaluating your current efforts.

Survey: Education and Training Tools

Is your antibiotic stewardship program survey ready? Deadline November 28

In the past two years, federal agencies have taken a hard look at infection control practices in long-term care facilities and demanded improvement. CMS requires that facilities have an antibiotic stewardship program in place by November 28. Long-term care facilities traditionally lack the specialized infection control training of hospitals, with infection control violations making up one of the most common LTC survey deficiencies. In other words, these facilities have their work cut out for them.

Quality: Five-star ratings and performance improvement

As quality and value take a front row seat in the reimbursement world, more emphasis will need to be placed on monitoring and improving your facility’s standings. The best way to achieve this is by monitoring for trends and changes to the five-star rating reports.

Billing: Reduce your facility’s audit risk

Facilities can reduce their audit risk and the potential for nonpayment by ensuring claims are complete and accurate. In order to do this, administrators need to identify risk areas and analyze providers’ information so that billers can review their own data before submission and ensure compliance.

Customer service: Managing risk through person-centered care

According to a recent report published by the OIG, nursing home complaints increased from 47,279 complaints in 2011 to 62,790 complaints in 2015. More than half of the complaints were related to quality of care, treatment, or neglect. It’s essential that facilities understand the components of an effective customer service program, realize the importance of risk management, and master several methods of reducing the potential for litigation.

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

Thursday, November 2, 2:00pm-3:00pm, ET - SNF/LTC Open Door Forum

Thursday, November 9, 2:00pm-3:00pm, ET - New Medicare Card Project Special Open Door Forum

Thursday, November 16, 1:30pm-3:00pm, ET - SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program FY2018 Final Rule Call

customerservice@hcpro.com | www.hcmarketplace.com

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