In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss AAPACN’s latest education program, PDPM Documentation Essentials for the IDT. Additional Resources:
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Question: If an open area is found on day four after admission, is that still present on admission (7-day look-back period)? The definition of “present on admission” is “as close to admission as possible.” Answer from Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: I do not think this would …
Question: A long-term resident went out to the hospital and returned on a skilled stay using his Managed Care plan. He has both a 5-Day and Annual scheduled for the same day, but at separate times. Do both of these get coded as “the first assessment” in A0310E? Answer from …
Question: For section GG, the nurse aides use a mechanical lift transfer with two-person assist for transfers four times, but physical therapy transfers with one person and maximal assist once. Part of the dependent definition is “helper does all the effort” – but this was not true for all transfers—would …
The strict coding criteria for O0110M1, Isolation or quarantine for active infectious disease, requires precise documentation to support the MDS. AAPACN’s new Documentation Template: Isolation for Active Infectious Disease tool can help nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) educate nurses on the key areas of required documentation for residents in isolation. Want …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the final version of the RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2025. While the draft version has been available for several months, CMS made several additional changes, including a new definition for falls and major injury, …
Effective Oct. 1, 2023, the full Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 will only be completed if the resident responds to the gateway PHQ-2 questions in a certain way. The Patient Health Questionnaire Completion Determination chart clarifies when to stop the PHQ after the PHQ-2, how to code the Total Severity Score, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released unexpected changes in the final RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2025. The AAPACN MDS Changes At-a-Glance tool provides a high-level overview and key takeaways from the changes. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual …
The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) 5-Character HIPPS code can be difficult to decipher. The PDPM HIPPS Code At-a-Glance tool will help nurse assessment coordinators quickly identify the key elements impacting Medicare reimbursement. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one copy for use within …
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in adults in the United States. Therefore, it is a common problem seen among patients receiving home care. Patients who have had a stroke typically have some weakness and difficulty caring for themselves. Use the Caring for Patients Who Have Had …
