News / Blog
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Ask Proactive – I heard we don’t have to code urinary tract infection (UTI) in section I if it doesn’t meet the McGeers requirement, but my director of nursing is telling me I do have to code it. Can you clarify?
Q: I heard we don’t have to code urinary tract infection (UTI) in section I if it doesn’t meet the McGeers requirement, but my DON is telling me I do have to code it. Can you clarify? A: Urinary Tract Infections that do not meet evidence-based criteria...
Charting the Future: Top 10 Questions When Considering EHR Software Change
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, nursing facility providers are recognizing the significance of transitioning to advanced Electronic Health Record (EHR) software. This shift is driven by the need for streamlined operations, improved resident care, and...
Ask Proactive – After completing my baseline care plan, what should I include in my summary to be provided to the resident/representative?
Q: After completing my baseline care plan, what should I include in my summary to be provided to the resident/representative? A: The facility must provide residents and their representatives, if applicable, with a written summary of the baseline care...
Navigating Immediate Jeopardy: Top Citations in FY2023 for Nursing Facilities
Understanding Immediate Jeopardy Citations is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of nursing facility environments. In Fiscal Year 2023, several citations took the spotlight, shedding light on areas demanding careful attention in the year ahead. Let's review...
Proactive’s Top 10 Blogs of 2023
As we close out 2023, let’s highlight the top ten most read articles from the past year covering topics that range from common MDS coding errors, avoiding deficiencies in Food and Nutrition Services, Medical Review risks, all the way to Care and Maintenance of the...
MDS Changes Coming In 2024—What to Expect!
During the December SNF Open Door Forum call, CMS announced their plan to release the MDS 1.19.1, which will be effective October 1, 2024. CMS has indicated the revisions will be minor and impact primarily the following 3 areas of the MDS: Section GG: Self-care and...
Ask Proactive – Do the physicians have up to 30 days to see new admissions?
Q: Do the physicians have up to 30 days to see new admissions? A: Yes, per guidance at §483.30(c) (F712) "In a SNF, the first physician visit (this includes the initial comprehensive visit) must be conducted within the first 30 days after admission, and...
Ask Proactive – How often do Advance Directives need to be reviewed?
Q: How often do Advance Directives need to be reviewed? A: It is considered best practice to review the resident’s Advance Directives with the resident and resident representative upon admission, in each Care Plan meeting, and with any significant change...
The Vital Role of Supportive Documentation in Nursing Homes in Ensuring Quality Care and Compliance
Supportive documentation is the backbone of effective communication, quality care delivery, and regulatory compliance within nursing homes. In this blog, we'll delve into the significant aspects of effective charting and the requirements that must be met to ensure...
10 Tips for Enhancing Customer Service in Nursing Homes
Excellent customer service is crucial in nursing homes where residents and their families entrust their care to the facility staff. Ensuring a positive and compassionate experience significantly impacts quality of care and contributes to the well-being of residents. ...
Ask Proactive – Immediate Jeopardy cited –now what?
Q: Immediate Jeopardy cited – now what? A: When a skilled nursing facility is cited with immediate jeopardy, it means that the facility is in violation of regulations to an extent that it poses a serious threat to the health and safety of its residents....
Ask Proactive – We are questioning the MDS/Care planning meeting schedule. When adding an extra OBRA to capture rehab or other clinical conditions for Case Mix, do we need a care plan review even though we may have had one recently?
Q: We are questioning the MDS/Care planning meeting schedule. When adding an extra OBRA to capture rehab or other clinical conditions for Case Mix, do we need a care plan review even though we may have had one recently? A: Per the State operations...
Long-Term Care Federal Monitoring Surveys
On November 20, 2023, CMS released Guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys (FMS) which identifies the FY2024 and FY2025 focus concerns and guidance on how CMS staff will conduct FMS and communicates estimated FY2024-FY2025 required number of long-term care (LTC) FMS...
SNF Meetings– UR & Triple Check Essentials
SNF Meetings– UR & Triple Check Essentials According to a recent Agency Financial Report released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the primary reasons for SNF payment error include (1) missing or insufficient documentation to support the...
Ask Proactive – For PBJ, where do we allocate NP hours?
Q: For PBJ, where do we allocate NP hours? A: If performing MD delegated duties report Job code 13 (see definitions below) Per the PBJ manual, Job Code 7 Registered Nurse hours include: Those persons licensed to practice as registered nurses in the...