How to Be Proactive in Approaching Part B Denials with Erin DuPrae

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, vice president of education and certification strategy for AAPACN and Erin DuPrae, OTR/L, clinical support specialist with AAPACN Diamond Partner, Synchrony Rehab, discuss how facilities can be proactive with Part B denials and how to prepare for appeals.

Q&A: A resident discharged to the hospital, return anticipated, but went to a sister facility from the hospital for a few days because we did not have a bed available. Now that he is returning, is a new OBRA Admission assessment required?

Question: We have a resident who discharged to the hospital (completed an OBRA DC Return-Anticipated). When he was ready to be discharged from the hospital, we did not have a bed available, so he discharged to a sister facility for a few days. We now have a bed available, and …

Q&A: Would you code a positive nasal swab for MRSA as a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) in section I?

Question: Would you code a positive nasal swab for MRSA as a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) in section I? Answer from Heide Keen, RN, BSN, RAC-CT: Most often, we find that MRSA of nares is colonized and not considered actively infectious, and not being medically treated. It all depends on the …

CMS MDS Item O0100 Web-Based Training (10/21)

NEW TRAINING AVAILABLE – Section O: O0100. Special Procedures, Treatments, and Programs Web-Based Training for SNFs The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training course that provides an overview of the assessment and coding of Section O: O0100. Special Procedures, Treatments, and Programs. This 30-minute …

How the NAC and DNS Can Work Together to Ease the Strain of the Staffing Shortage in Long-Term Care

The widespread staffing crisis in nursing homes across long-term care has put a strain on everyone, from leadership positions to the floor nurse. Staff are working overtime, covering extra shifts, and are often being called to work outside of their assigned roles. They are experiencing stress, burnout, and even considering …

COVID-19 MLN Matters Article SE20011 Update Highlights Need to Meet Part A Level-of-Care Requirements (9/21)

The section “SNF Qualifying Hospital Stay (QHS) and Benefit Period Waivers” in MLN Matters Special Edition Article SE20011 Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been updated. The emergency SNF QHS and benefit period requirements under Section 1812(f) of the Social Security Act …

The Exit of the CNA: Mandate or Me—What Now?

With the introduction of the vaccine mandate for nursing home employees, many organizational leaders fear staff, especially certified nursing assistants (CNAs), will quit rather than get the vaccine. This week, several industry experts have voiced concerns about the potential for a mass exit of CNAs, questioning how facilities can continue …

Q&A: How do you determine “while a resident” or “while not a resident” when a resident goes out to the hospital and returns?

Question: How do you determine “while a resident” or “while not a resident” when a resident goes out to the hospital and returns? Answer from Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: The line between “while not a resident” and “while a resident” is basically the Entry Date …

Introduction to the SNF QRP Web-Based Training From CMS (8/21)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training course for those who are new to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP). This course is designed to provide a general overview of the program as well as a variety of links and resources …

5 Things NACs Can Practice Every Day to Improve Their Role

Nurse assessment coordinators (NACs), or MDS coordinators, have an important and challenging role in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). From managing the MDS/RAI process, creating individualized care plans for residents, identifying significant changes, ensuring accurate reimbursement with the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), keeping track of Quality Measures and Five Star, and …