News / Blog
Need to brush up on the latest industry news? Look no further! Proactive Medical Review consultants provide up-to-date blog postings to keep you in the know.
The latest news, events, blogs and more…
Ask Proactive – Can you have an elopement event when the resident does not leave the facility, ex: found in the business office?
Q: Can you have an elopement event when the resident does not leave the facility, ex: found in the business office? A: Yes, this situation could be considered an elopement. Per CMS, “A situation in which a resident leaves the premises or a safe area...
Five Star Improvement Check Up for the MDS Department
Providers focused on Five Star improvement often look to the MDS department as a driver of Five Star performance. Let’s examine the potential impact of the MDS on facility star ratings and consider key focus areas for coding accuracy… Before jumping to the conclusion...
Ask Proactive – How are A1005: Ethnicity, and A1010: Race supposed to be coded on an unplanned Discharge Assessment or Death in Facility Tracking Record?
Q: How are A1005: Ethnicity, and A1010: Race supposed to be coded on an unplanned Discharge Assessment or Death in Facility Tracking Record? A: As these are direct resident interview items the obvious concern is that the resident may not be asked in the...
DON’s New Year’s Resolution List
With 2024 underway, it’s time to focus on what we would like to accomplish in the next 350 days remaining in the year. If you haven’t already created one, consider these goals for your DON New Year’s Resolution list. Be Survey ready 365 days a year. This is not...
Ask Proactive – I pulled the Q4 2023 Facility Level Quality Measure report for my facility in January and noticed several measures are displayed as “I” for incomplete. Can you please explain why these measure calculations are shown as incomplete on my report?
Q: I pulled the Q4 2023 Facility Level Quality Measure report for my facility in January and noticed several measures are displayed as “I” for incomplete including the following: Percent of Residents Whose Ability to Walk Independently Worsened Percent of Residents...
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. ...