News / Blog
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Supportive Documentation for ADL Care, Functional Declines, & Restorative Nursing
Nursing home regulations are designed to ensure that residents receive quality care while maintaining their dignity and independence. Two key regulations, F676 (Quality of Life) and F688 (Mobility), focus on monitoring a resident’s ability to perform Activities of...
Ask Proactive – I accidentally submitted a 5-Day assessment for Managed Care. What steps should I take to correct the situation?
Q: I accidentally submitted a 5-Day assessment for Managed Care. What steps should I take to correct the situation? A: Updated information has been provided in the Final MDS 3.0 RAI October 2024 section 5.8 page 5-14 to clarify how facilities...
Ask Proactive – How should we handle staffing challenges during peak flu season?
Q: How should we handle staffing challenges during peak flu season? A: During peak flu season, having a robust staffing plan is essential. This includes cross-training staff to fill multiple roles, establishing partnerships with local staffing agencies...
Falling Leaves, Pumpkin Spice and MDS Changes
October 1st is right around the corner which means new MDS changes. While there are fewer changes as compared to 2023, this year brings several important updates. So, sit back with your pumpkin spice latte and read on for the key MDS update information you need to...
Substance Use Disorders in LTC
Addressing Substance Use Disorders in Long-Term Care: A Growing Need for Comprehensive Care As the population ages, long-term care (LTC) facilities are increasingly encountering residents with complex health needs, including Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Once...
Ask Proactive – Our facility is triggering the UTI QM, and we have identified that many of these are the result of the hospital diagnosing a UTI that does not meet our infection criteria. Do we have to code those on the MDS if they occur during the look-back period?
Q: Our facility is triggering the UTI QM, and we have identified that many of these are the result of the hospital diagnosing a UTI that does not meet our infection criteria. Do we have to code those on the MDS if they occur during the look-back period? ...
Ask Proactive – What are some effective strategies for improving staff engagement and retention in nursing homes?
Q: What are some effective strategies for improving staff engagement and retention in nursing homes? A: Improving staff engagement and retention is crucial for maintaining high-quality care in nursing homes. Here are some strategies: Offer Competitive...
A Guide to Effective Care Plan Meetings
Effective care plan meetings are crucial for delivering high-quality care in skilled nursing facilities. These meetings ensure that each resident receives personalized and comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Care plan development...
Ask Proactive – My biller is requesting a HIPPS code for a Medicare resident who admitted to our SNF and then transferred to an assisted living facility on the same day. I didn’t think we could bill for the day of discharge. Please clarify.
Q: My biller is requesting a HIPPS code for a Medicare resident who admitted to our SNF and then transferred to an assisted living facility on the same day. I didn’t think we could bill for the day of discharge. Please clarify. A: Generally, the day of...
Practical Tips to Avoid F695 Respiratory Care Deficiencies
F695 Respiratory Care was the 7th most cited deficiency in standard health surveys so far for the 2024 Fiscal Year, being cited in 21% of surveys. F695 mandates that facilities must ensure residents requiring respiratory care, such as oxygen therapy, respiratory...
Ask Proactive – A new resident was admitted to our facility with an order for Mirtazapine 15mg every evening. There is no information in the admission paperwork regarding its use and the admitting nurse entered the order “for antidepressant.” Should N0415C2: High-Risk Drug Classes: Indication be coded “yes” or “no”?
Q: A new resident was admitted to our facility with an order for Mirtazapine 15mg every evening. There is no information in the admission paperwork regarding its use and the admitting nurse entered the order “for antidepressant.” Should N0415C2: High-Risk Drug...
The Critical Role of Frontline Caregivers in Managing Resident Condition Changes
Frontline caregivers are instrumental to the delivery of optimal care practices for residents. Conversely, when changes in a resident's condition go unnoticed or are not communicated promptly by caregivers, there is a significant risk of deterioration. The timely...
Ask Proactive – What should be the first reference for MDS/NAC or IDT members when searching for a diagnosis code?
Q: What should be the first reference for MDS/NAC or IDT members when searching for a diagnosis code? A: The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting (Guidelines) for the current fiscal year should always be the first reference consulted....
Enhancing Behavioral Healthcare Through Non-Pharmacological Approaches
Behavioral health conditions, including dementia, depression, and anxiety, are common in and out of skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. While medications are often prescribed to manage these conditions, there is a growing recognition of the importance of...
Nutrition and Hydration Refresher
Maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration status is crucial to promoting quality of life and positive outcomes for each resident. Poor nutritional status can lead to adverse health effects, including decreased strength and functional abilities, depression,...