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 8, 2026 | Audits, Compliance, MDS, Medicare, PDPM, QRP, Quality, Quality Measure, Reimbursement, Staffing, VBP
FY 2027 SNF Proposed Payment Rule: What SNFs Need to Know On April 2, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule for updates to Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities under the 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 25, 2026 | Documentation, Nursing Home Consultant, Quality, Reimbursement, Restorative
Q: We are in the process of reviewing the Restorative Nursing Ambulation program. Some residents are only able to walk very short distances. Would these patients be appropriate for the program? A: The restorative ambulation program should include activities...
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...
