by Proactive LTC Consulting | May 13, 2026 | Coding, Compliance, Documentation, MDS, Medicaid, Medicare, Nutrition, PDPM, Reimbursement
Q: Can IV fluids be coded in K0520A (Parenteral/IV Feeding) on the MDS? A: Yes — but only when the IV fluids are administered specifically to address a nutrition or hydration need and there is supporting documentation in the medical record. CMS clarifies that...
by Proactive LTC Consulting | Apr 22, 2026 | 5-Star, Antipsychotics/Psychotropics, Audits, Coding, MDS, Medication, Nursing Home Consultant, Quality, Quality Measure
Q: My facility Long-Stay antipsychotic percentage increased on my 2026 Quality Measures. What are some best practices for reviewing Psychotropic medications? A: It is possible the increase in your QM percentage is not due to a true increase in antipsychotic...
by Proactive LTC Consulting | Apr 22, 2026 | 5-Star, Antipsychotics/Psychotropics, Coding, Documentation, Falls, MDS, Nursing Home Consultant, QAPI, Quality, Quality Measure, Weight Loss
The Engine Behind Outcomes: Quality Measure Systems Many facilities focus on Quality Measure scores after they decline. High-performing facilities build systems that prevent decline before it happens. Improving Quality Measures (QMs) in skilled nursing...
by Proactive LTC Consulting | Apr 1, 2026 | 5-Star, Coding, Compliance, Documentation, MDS, Nursing, Nursing Home Consultant, Quality, Quality Measure, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Survey
Q: I am a Director of Nursing Services (DNS) juggling many responsibilities. What is the best way to support and oversee the MDS department? A: The most effective approach to overseeing MDS is to balance support, accountability, and clinical involvement with a...
by Proactive LTC Consulting | Mar 18, 2026 | 5-Star, Coding, Education, ICD.10, MDS, Medicaid, Medicare, Nursing Home Consultant, Quality, Quality Measure, Reimbursement, SNF
Impact of Primary Diagnosis Selection on the Quality Measures A well‑chosen primary diagnosis and accurate coding of all active diagnoses on the MDS does more than impact reimbursement. It shapes a resident’s clinical category, which in turn determines whether the...
by Proactive LTC Consulting | Mar 11, 2026 | Coding, Compliance, Documentation, MDS, Nursing Home Consultant, Quality, Quality Measure, Reimbursement
Q: One of the residents at my facility was sent out to the hospital in the afternoon and returned to the facility later that evening during the 30-day look-back for my MDS. On reviewing the ED paperwork, I saw that she was diagnosed with a UTI. Because this diagnosis...
