Ethics in MDS Coding: Reimbursement and Quality Measures

In long-term care, the Minimum Data Set (MDS) ensures appropriate care planning, accurate reimbursement, and quality measurement while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. However, MDS coding may pose some ethical challenges. Completing the MDS accurately and according to the Long-term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual …

Quality Measure IQ Series: Pressure Ulcer Measures

Quality Measure (QM) reporting on pressure ulcers is a significant metric used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to help ensure that nursing homes provide high-quality care to vulnerable residents. Those residents with impaired mobility, chronic health issues, and complex comorbidities have a higher risk of developing …

Follow-Up Answers to Q&A from Beneficiary Notices Jan. 30, 2025, AAPACN Webinar

In this podcast, 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 for AAPACN, address some of the questions that were asked during the AAPACN Webinar, “SNF ABN, NOMNC, DENC – What Has Changed for this …

Compliance in Diagnosis Selection for Skilled Rehabilitation

For skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), diagnosis selection and accurate ICD-10-CM coding are essential for both quality resident care and compliance with regulations. For therapists providing skilled rehabilitation services, the ability to choose the correct diagnosis code is not only crucial for resident outcomes but also ensures proper reimbursement and avoids …

Care Conference: How Do Resident Rights Connect to Care Planning?

Some nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) may believe that having a care conference (aka care plan meeting) with the resident and/or their responsible party or family member is a regulatory requirement. “However, no regulations actually use the term care conference,” says Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC, director …

A New Method for Auditing PDPM

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss a new method for auditing the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM).  Additional Resource:PDPM Audit by MDS Section 

Uncomplicating Drug Classifications

Medications are an essential part of the care and interventions provided to residents in a skilled nursing facility. These medications may be used to manage chronic conditions, slow disease progress, ease symptoms, or even prevent a condition. With each medication, the associated risks and benefits must be considered. High-risk medications …

How to Access the Learner Dashboard, and Other AAPACN Education FAQs

More than 15,000 nursing professionals working in long-term care take AAPACN education online courses each year. One of the common questions AAPACN receives from new students is, “How can I access my Learner Dashboard?” The Learner Dashboard is the main online education hub where learners can review and start their …