Now viewing articles in the category Blog Post.
Kepro Rebranding: Kepro is becoming Acentra Health
April 24th, 2024
Kepro, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) responsible for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) termination appeals is rebranding. Kepro will soon be known as ACENTRA HEALTH. The target date for the rebrand “go live” is August 1, 2024.
1 minute readCMS ISSUES FINAL RULE
April 11th, 2024
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
On April 4, 2024, CMS announced that Medicare Advantage (MA) appeals will parallel the same review process as traditional Medicare allowing MA plan enrollees to have access to the fast-track appeals process now.
Key elements include: Independent Review
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Celebration-Time-Come On! It’s a Celebration: Using Telehealth Services in the SNF - “Value of PT”
October 17th, 2023
The benefits this profession has provided are life-transformative. As we consider the invaluable role of
physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and students that provide rehabilitative therapeutic care,
across various settings from Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to Outpatient and Wellness Centers, we must recognize and celebrate the use of telehealth services.1 minute read
Solutions Syllabus Oct. & Nov. Sessions
September 27th, 2023
SOLUTIONS SYLLABUS FALL SESSIONS - REGISTER NOW
Participants will learn care planning, policy and procedures, and process improvement ideas to minimize risk during the Health Inspection process and improve the quality of care in the facility.1 minute readCMS Releases FY 2024 Final Rule: SNFs In Line to Receive 4.0% Reimbursement Increase
August 1st, 2023
BACKGROUND The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are required to update the Medicare payment rates and quality programs on an annual basis. Prior to August 1 each year, CMS is required to publish the final rule for the upcoming fiscal year (FY).
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: On July 31st, CMS issued the final rule CMS-1779-F for FY 2024. This final rule contains many areas of importance and significance for SNF providers specifically as it relates to payment, quality, PDPM, and more. Preferred Therapy Solutions is thoroughly reviewing the final rule and has planned an in-depth webinar for August 15th.
Key elements of the proposed rule include
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Noise, Noise, Everywhere...Can You Hear It?
May 22nd, 2023
It is a noisy world. There is so much hustle and bustle around us, do we just tune it out, or can we even hear it? We do not realize that so many people struggle with hearing loss, specifically the elderly population. In fact, recent studies estimate nearly 63% of people over the age of 70 with 80% of those over the age of 80 in the United States experiencing some hearing loss. We know that the incidence of hearing loss increases with age and as our population continues to age, the prevalence of hearing loss is also expected to rise. Hearing loss in the elderly is due to presbycusis or Age-Related Hearing Loss but may also be a result of noise damage and cerumen impaction as the more common reasons.(view the complete article here)
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Social Determinants of Health: LEVERAGING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TO ASSIST IN REDUCING HEALTH DISPARITIES
April 17th, 2023
Professionals in the skilled nursing arena are familiar with the Minimum Data Set or MDS. The MDS is a standardized assessment tool used to gather information about residents’ health status and needs. In 2023, we will see the MDS’s revision include
adding new social determinants of health (SDOH) to specifically have questions around ethnicity, race, language, transportation, health literacy, and social isolation1 minute readCMS Releases FY 2024 Proposed Rule: SNF’s In Line to Receive 3.7% Reimbursement Increase
April 5th, 2023
BACKGROUND
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are required to update the Medicare payment rates and quality programs on an annual basis. Each April, CMS publishes a proposed rule for the upcoming fiscal year (FY) and opens a comment period for stakeholders to review and provide comments to CMS before releasing the final rule.
What you need to know
On April 4th CMS issued the proposed rule CMS-1779-P for FY 2024. This proposed rule contains many areas of importance and significance for SNF providers specifically as it relates to payment, quality, staffing, and more.
Preferred Therapy Solutions is thoroughly reviewing the proposed rule and has planned an in-depth webinar for April 19th.
Key elements of the proposed rule include:
2 minute readCMS Posts Draft MDS 3.0 RAI Manual Version SNF Transition to iQIES Starting Soon
April 4th, 2023
CMS Posts Draft MDS 3.0 RAI Manual Version SNF Transition to iQIES Starting Soon
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted the draft Minimum Data Set 3.0 (MDS 3.0) Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual Version 1.18.11. The MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.18.11 will take effect on October 1, 2023. CMS notes that this version of the RAI contains "substantial revisions related to the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act), which requires that standardized assessment items be collected across post-acute care
(PAC) settings."1 minute read
Contract Therapy vs. In-house Therapy: When to Stay in Your Lane or is it Time to Shift Course!
March 20th, 2023
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that over three years have passed since the implementation of the Patient Driven Payment Model
(PDPM). And it is equally shocking that we have been living under a public health emergency for the entire time PDPM has been in effect. During this time frame, therapy services in the SNF setting have evolved but still serve as an essential element for quality care, positive patient outcomes, and overall operations. With over three years of experience under the “new” payment model, skilled nursing operators continue investigating dynamic methods to evaluate and manage value-driven, cost-effective business models. These discussions often include the risks and benefits of in-house vs. contract therapy models. In this article, we will explore the many factors operators should consider when evaluating the type of therapy model that will best suit their facility's needs in this current post-acute care environment.1 minute read
President Biden Releases Budget Proposal For Fiscal Year 2024
March 16th, 2023
On Thursday, March 9, President Biden released his budget proposal for FY 2024. While the President’s budget is largely a messaging document that is not voted on by Congress, it is an important document for communicating the Administration’s priorities. In the coming weeks, Administration officials will testify before key committees on the budget proposal.
The President’s Budget is comprised of numerous documents including the main budget summary as well as the HHS “Budget in Brief,” which outlines budget proposals for CMS and other entities within HHS (such as the CDC and FDA). These documents are available at the links at the bottom of this alert.
The budget document for CMS has a continuing focus on nursing facilities by the Biden Administration. President Biden had previously discussed nursing facility quality and safety in his State of the Union speech in 2022.
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REVENUE BOOSTING SOLUTIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CMI SYSTEM
February 20th, 2023
The impact of resident care and accurately identifying the acuity of a resident are the defining drivers of reimbursement for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). The management of these systems will determine whether a SNF can remain financially stable during very challenging times. A vital strategy to safeguard Skilled Nursing Facilities is the establishment of a comprehensive approach designed to guide facilities to success under case-mix reimbursement. Complete article here.
THE LINGERING ALBATROSS
November 28th, 2022
Providers are taking a closer look at CASPER and Five-Star reports, and the results from a post-COVID world are devastating. The industry continues to be in a staffing crunch, and often the Nursing Assessment Coordinator (NAC) is pulled from completing MDS’s to provide other responsibilities. Documentation has become a source of further stress for staff and is often not provided in its intended framework with an eye for detail. We are witnessing inexperienced staff that may have minimal training, providing care or understanding the depth of accuracy with timely documentation, which impacts Quality Measures. Almost three years have passed since the onset of COVID, and it has certainly left a permanent imprint on the healthcare industry.
During the early days of COVID, residents were in isolation, causing them to be socially separated, and only allowed limited movement within their rooms. Residents no longer walked the halls, ate in dining rooms, or attended activities. These new internal changes resulted in an increase in the number of residents that triggered quality measures (QM) related to Mobility and ADLs. The QMs tell us the quality of patient care for residents and inform the public on the quality of care that is provided in facilities. COMPLETE ARTICLE
RESILIENCE: Reflections on a Global Pandemic from the Eyes of An Occupational Therapist
September 1st, 2022
re·sil·ience: n. the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands. A number of factors contribute to how well people adapt to adversities, predominant among them (a) the ways in which individuals view and engage with the world, (b) the availability and quality of social resources, and (c) specific coping strategies. Additional article here
Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month: How Rehabilitation Therapy Can Help?
June 29th, 2022
Several studies prove that exercise can be extremely beneficial to patients with Alzheimer's disease, in addition to contributing to cardiovascular fitness, better endurance, and greater strength. Regular exercise helps people with Alzheimer's disease by enhancing their motor abilities, reducing the chances of falls, and slowing down the rate of cognitive deterioration.
2 minute readPosted in: Blog Post
Arthritis Awareness Month: Understanding Who Physical Therapy Can Help
June 21st, 2022
While there are over 100 types of arthritis, one of the things almost all types have in common is that those who are suffering can benefit from physical therapy. Because there are various types of arthritis, the methods used in physical therapy will be different, as will the potential outcomes of the physical therapy.
2 minute readPosted in: Blog Post
Occupational vs. Physical Therapy: Which Can Help You Most?
June 21st, 2022
On the surface, occupational therapy and physical therapy seem incredibly similar. Both therapy types focus on rehabilitation, often for patients who are recovering from an injury or procedure. Therapists in both fields often work closely together, creating cohesive treatment plans for patients who require both services.
2 minute readPosted in: Blog Post
The Long Goodbye
June 17th, 2022
Saying goodbye to a loved one usually involves a nice long bear hug, followed by a warm statement of, "Ill see you soon." This is not the case when leaving a loved one afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
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Arthritis Awareness Month: Understanding Who Physical Therapy Can Help
May 13th, 2022
While there are over 100 types of arthritis, one of the things almost all types have in common is that those who are suffering can benefit from physical therapy. Because there are different types of arthritis, the methods used in physical therapy will be different, as will the potential outcomes of the physical therapy.
2 minute readPosted in: Blog PostCelebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week
May 9th, 2022
May 8-14 celebrates National Skilled Nursing Care Week. It's a true honor and privilege to partner with skilled nursing establishments. The dedication and commitment to providing care for their residents are to be celebrated not just this week-- but every day throughout the year. #itsallaboutthepatient #celebratenationalskillednursingweek #PreferredTherapySolutionspartnershipswithskillednursingfacilities #NSNCW
1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostCMS to End Certain COVID-19 Waivers
May 6th, 2022
CMS TO END CERTAIN COVID-19 WAIVERS BACKGROUND The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a memorandum on April 7th to state agencies announcing the ending of specific Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers in two different time frames: May 7th and June 7th.
2 minute readOlder Americans Month: Age My Way
May 4th, 2022
May is a special time of year, all the buds start to bloom and a colorful landscape comes to life. This May, as we take in the sights and sounds of spring, May also celebrates Older American Month. The theme for 2022 is Age My Way with a focus on how older adults can age...
1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostMay Celebrates Speech and Better Hearing Month
May 3rd, 2022
Preferred Therapy Solutions would like to thank everyone in the Speech Pathology discipline for all of your hard work in supporting our most vulnerable population. This May we celebrate Better Hearing & Speech Month and the people that work with those affected by communication and hearing disorders. #itsallaboutthepatient #celebratespeechpathologist #nationalbetterspeechandhearing
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National Healthcare Month and World Immunization Week—What Is Their Significance?
April 19th, 2022
In the United States, April is considered the National Interprofessional Healthcare Month. Globally, the last week of April is World Immunization Week. If you’re wondering why they’re important, read on…
2 minute readPosted in: Blog PostEDUCATIONAL WEBINAR: FY 2023 SNF PPS Proposed Rule – What’s Ahead for PDPM, QRP & VBP!
April 18th, 2022
The FY 2023 Proposed Rule is out and CMS is following through on the recalibration of PDPM, adding new measures for quality and value-based care, and building upon the Biden-Harris…
1 minute readCMS Releases FY 2023 Proposed Rule
April 14th, 2022
BACKGROUND The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are legally required to update the Medicare payment rates and quality programs on an annual basis.
3 minute readREDUCE HOSPITAL READMISSIONS
April 14th, 2022
April showers bring May flowers, which may be true, but during the month of April, a significant celebration is in order, it’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Month.
1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostApril Celebrates Occupational Therapy Month
April 5th, 2022
Preferred Therapy Solutions would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all of our professionals within the Occupational Therapy discipline.
1 minute readSolutions Syllabus: Quality Measures
February 24th, 2022
Preferred Therapy Solutions is hosting a monthly educational series based on the RAI Manual for coding the MDS to ensure accuracy with Quality Measures (QMs).
1 minute readINTERDISCIPLINARY PRACTICES DESIGNED FOR OPTIMAL PATIENT-CENTERED PERFORMANCE
July 7th, 2021
This past January, CMS released their updated Long-Term Care Survey Process Materials.
1 minute readTogether Through The Seasons
May 11th, 2021
“Together Through the Seasons,” celebrates the collaborative commitment of skilled nursing care facilities and all staff providing compassionate care to their residents during this unprecedented time. #NationalSkilledNursingCareWeek #CelebrateSkilledNursingWeek #itsallaboutthepatient
Posted in: Blog PostCOVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY EXTENDED
April 19th, 2021
NEWS FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThis past week Xavier Becerra, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced the COVID-19 Public…
1 minute readPosted in: Compliance, Blog PostApril Celebrates Occupational Therapy Month!
April 1st, 2021
It's Occupational Therapy Month. Preferred Therapy Solutions would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all of our professionals within the Occupational Therapy discipline.
1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostCMS TO HOLD CLAIMS BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2021
March 31st, 2021
BREAKING NEWS FROM THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWPer CMS - In anticipation of possible Congressional action to extend the 2% sequester reduction suspension,…
1 minute readThe Preferred Therapy Solutions Family
March 15th, 2021
It's been a year - a year of new practices and procedures in how we work together. We are confident with science, research, and vaccines; we will again be able…
1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostLong Term Care Administrators Week
March 11th, 2021
A MESSAGE FROM LIZ ALMEIDA-SANBORN, PRESIDENT & CEO
1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostNEW INTERNATIONAL DYSPHAGIA DIET STANDARDIZATION (IDDSI)
March 10th, 2021
What’s your plan for rolling out the new IDDSI initiative? Preferred Therapy Solutions provides the necessary platforms in developing a crosswalk between IDDSI and Skilled Nursing Facility diets.
1 minute readPreferred Therapy Solutions Family: Why We Get Vaccinated
January 30th, 2021
The Preferred Therapy Solutions Family: Why We Get Vaccinated
1 minute readThe PTS Family: Why We Get Vaccinated
January 4th, 2021
Click on the below box to activate this video.
1 minute readFee Schedule Cuts Addressed by Year-End Spending Bill
December 23rd, 2020
To our valued customers:BACKGROUND Without legislative action by the end of 2020, skilled nursing providers were facing significant cuts to Medicare reimbursement in 2021.
1 minute readADVOCATE FOR LONG TERM CARE: CONTACT CONGRESS
November 20th, 2020
Preferred Therapy Solutions is active on the national level helping in a broader coalition effort to oppose the cuts to the Physician Fee Schedule that CMS has proposed for 2021.…
2 minute readAsk the Experts Webinar: Juggling the New Normal
June 23rd, 2020
JOIN THESE POST-ACUTE INDUSTRY EXPERTS ON THIS INFORMATIVE WEBINAR!
1 minute readJoin Preferred Therapy Solutions on this Informative Webinar!
June 23rd, 2020
LEARN WHAT'S BEHIND THE MASK: REVEALING THE IMPACT OFCOVID-19 ON PDPM
1 minute readBlack Lives Matter
June 11th, 2020
Black lives matter. My heart breaks for the families of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd and so, so many other black American families that have endured unimaginable pain…
1 minute readBehind the Mask: Check out our video of our amazing health care professionals!
June 11th, 2020
https://video214.com/play/MG9lln6LktYBI0hisXBT1g/s/dark1 minute readEDUCATIONAL WEBINAR SERIES
May 22nd, 2020
Preferred Therapy Solutions is dedicated to providing clinical education and support for the long term and post-acute care community. Due to overwhelming demand and many requests for training on how…
1 minute readJoin Preferred Therapy Solutions on this Informative COVID-19 Webinar.
May 22nd, 2020
Register at: https://bit.ly/3bVApkX
1 minute readPreferred Therapy Solutions and Celtic Consulting Partner on COVID-19 Webinars
May 21st, 2020
Preferred Therapy Solutions and Celtic Consulting will be hosting a series of collaborative webinars. The next webinar will be on May 28, 2020. Register at: https://bit.ly/2zaqqef
1 minute readThank You, Essential Workers!
March 24th, 2020
Preferred Therapy Solutions would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all essential workers in all professions who are being called upon during this difficult time. Your sacrifice does not…
1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostCMS Publishes FY 2022 SNF Annual Payment Update (APU) Overview Table
February 18th, 2020
Background Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program Measures The Impact Act of 2014 required implementation of clinical assessment areas using standardized data elements in each of the instruments used…1 minute readDarlene Piraino is Hosting a Session at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference
February 10th, 2020
Congratulations to Darlene Piraino she is an expert in her field. She will be sharing her clinical expertise at the AOTA Annual Conference in March. Great Job! #clinicalexpert #itsallaboutthepatient #AOTA…1 minute readThere’s nothing too tough for our team!
February 10th, 2020
Our teams are strong at Preferred Therapy Solutions. Our experts provide working solutions that go the distance. #PTSExperts #itsallaboutthepatient #PreferredTherapySolutions #SolutionsAndSuccess1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostFebruary is recognized as American Heart Month.
February 3rd, 2020
Live heart healthy. This month the American Heart Association celebrates its 56th anniversary observing February as heart awareness month. Even with the advances and progress in medicine, more people die…1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostToday is National Puzzle Day
January 29th, 2020
Pick up a crossword, Sudoku, or a jigsaw. Puzzles provide health benefits for everyone. Stress relief, cognitive enrichment, boost dopamine and exercise your memory. Puzzles are a fun way to…1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostCardiac rehab provides quality lifesaving benefits
January 24th, 2020
On the road to recovery, cardiac rehabilitation provides proven quality lifesaving benefits. A recent article published by the American Heart Association studies indicate nearly 1.3 million U.S. adults with heart…1 minute readPosted in: Blog PostWhat’s all the buzz?
October 21st, 2019
Preferred Therapy Solutions working with our partners and creating interactive rehabilitation methods. #itsallaboutthepatient #beeconnected #PTS&Partners1 minute readCMS FINAL RULE
August 6th, 2019
Changes with CMS' FINAL RULE: FISCAL YEAR 2020 Preferred Therapy Solutions continues to provide its partners with vital information that may impact rehabilitation management, reimbursement policies, and clinical programs, supported with…1 minute readClarification to the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Implementation of Pre-Authorization for Outpatient Therapy
July 16th, 2019
Preferred Therapy Solutions continues to provide its partners with information that may impact rehabilitation services, compliance or regulatory requirements. The below information clarifies the significant change in pre-authorized outpatient therapy as defined by Anthem…1 minute readLiz Almeida-Sanborn: Back in the classroom!
June 4th, 2019
Liz's experience in geriatric rehabilitation and her expertise in Medicare regulatory requirements provides students with insight into the post-acute care setting.1 minute readApril Celebrates Occupational Therapy Month!
April 1st, 2019
Today brings the start of Occupational Therapy Month! Preferred Therapy Solutions would like to say thank you and express our appreciation to all OTs and OTAs.1 minute readMatt Nash, Vice President of Strategic Development on June 5th at the 2018 MARCUM Long Term Care Symposium
May 31st, 2018
Matt Nash, Vice President of Strategic Development on June 5th at the 2018 MARCUM Long Term Care Symposium at Mohegan Sun in CT. Matt will be hosting an educational session…1 minute readDarlene Piraino Guest Speaker at the 2018 AOTA Annual Conference and Expo
May 15th, 2018
April is always a special month at Preferred Therapy Solutions as we recognize the many Occupational Therapy professionals that are devoted to helping people through therapeutic measures to participate in…1 minute readCMS Releases FY 2019 Proposed Rule
May 2nd, 2018
Background On Friday April 27th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the proposed rule for the Prospective Payment System & Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF-PPS)…2 minute readMedPAC Holds March 2018 Public Meetings
March 20th, 2018
Background On Thursday, March 1, 2018, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) met as scheduled for their March public meeting in Washington, DC. The purpose of this and other public meetings…1 minute readCMS discusses timeline for RCS-I Implementation on ODF
March 9th, 2018
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stated there is no timeline for the implementation of the proposed Resident Classification System-I (RCS-I) on their Open Door Forum (ODF) held on…1 minute read
Over The Top
October 23rd, 2017
Team building experiences are a great way to engage employees in the workplace to better understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. By pairing different groups and management levels to work…1 minute read
October is Physical Therapy Month
October 13th, 2017
Preferred Therapy Solutions would like to thank all Physical Therapists for their hard work and dedication in helping to improve the quality of life for the patients that they help each…1 minute readPresident of Preferred Therapy Solutions Elizabeth (Liz) Almeida-Sanborn Lectures at Springfield College
April 28th, 2017
For several years, Liz Almeida-Sanborn has been lecturing to the Doctoral Candidates in the Springfield College Physical Therapy Program. On Friday, March 31, 2017, Liz provided a two-hour lecture to…1 minute read
