Now viewing articles posted in 2023.
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.
2 minute read
March, April, May Solutions Syllabus Series: Critical Element Pathways/Health Inspection Process
March 8th, 2023
This nine-course series will provide extensive principles and evidence-based practices for LTC administrative and clinical teams on the basics of the Critical Element (CE) Pathways and its utilization in the Health Inspection (HI) Process.
The course is divided into five areas:Quality of Care
Dietary
Resident Rights
Administration
Clinical
This module will cover the 40 CE’s and include information on the criteria demonstrated in each CE. Specific areas of focus will highlight:
HI guidelines
F-Tag assignment during the HI
Areas of importance for each CE include care planning, observation, interviews, and record reviews.
Each CE will provide the administrative team with a guide for the HI and CE process.
This series will also include a comprehensive review of specification modules in order for SNFs to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare system. Read more for comprehensive course descriptions and to register for March, April, and May sessions.
1 minute read
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.
Another Preferred Therapy Solutions Emerging Leader
February 2nd, 2023
Another Preferred Therapy Solutions Emerging Leader!
1 minute readPosted in: News
Heart Health Month
February 1st, 2023
February represents Heart Month. Join Preferred Therapy Solutions and healthcare professionals in raising awareness of cardiovascular disease. #preventheartdisease #hearthealthy #hearthealthmonth #WearRedonFebruary3 #itsallaboutthepatient
1 minute read
Connecticut to Initiate CMI Audits
January 19th, 2023
Connecticut to Initiate CMI Audits
To our valued customers:
BACKGROUND
The State of Connecticut implemented a CMI program for Medicaid reimbursement in January of 2022. Connecticut has contracted with Myers & Stauffer to perform CMI auditing for the state.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A recent webinar by Myers & Stauffer laid out the planned system for CMI auditing:
1 minute readPosted in: Compliance, News
KEPRO Quality Improvement
January 13th, 2023
KEPRO QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ORGANIZATION
UPDATE NOTIFICATION PROCESS FOR NEW APPEALSTo our valued customers:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Starting on January 17, 2023, KEPRO will no longer notify post-acute facilities and Medicare health plans via telephone for appeal notifications when a new appeal has been filed.
1 minute readPosted in: Compliance, News
COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY (PHE) EXTENSION
January 11th, 2023
To our valued customers:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Xavier Becerra, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services has once again announced the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) extension, which was due to expire today, Wednesday, January 11, 2023. The COVID-19 PHE has been renewed for an additional 90 days with the new extension due to expire on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.1 minute readPosted in: Compliance, News
