Give Your Knee’s a Break!

Did you know that every one pound of body weight, it adds three pounds of force to the knees? The knee is the largest joint in the body and gives you flexibility and stability for standing, walking, crouching, running, jumping and turning. With so many moving parts in the knee, it is vulnerable to injury.

Give your knees a break with these measures:

  • Strengthen Your Leg Muscles. Strong quadriceps and hamstring muscles will protect your knees from injury.
  • Stretch Before and After Any Workout. Stretch your quadriceps and hamstring muscles before and after exercising to reduce pressure on your knees.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight. Every step you take places about three times your body weight on your knees.
  • Wear Shoes with Proper Arch Support. Stay away from flip-flops and other shoes that provide poor arch support and put unnecessary stress on the knee joint.

If pain is limiting your lifestyle or activities in any way, you should consult with your doctor. Also, ask your doctor about receiving physical therapy. Therapy can instruct you on exercises that improve your knee stability and health without increasing the risk for injury and further damage.

In the meantime, you may want to R.I.C.E. it. “RICE” is an acronym used by medical professionals meaning: rest, ice, compress and elevate. Rest the joint from strenuous movement, ice the area of discomfort, compress with an elastic bandage to reduce inflammation, and finally elevate both to unload pressure and again reduce inflammation.

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Doctors, Software, Training: Preparing for ‘Non-Negotiable’ PDPM Coding Pressures

by Skilled Nursing News
Starting October 1, skilled nursing facility operators will have no choice but to become proficient with a specific type of medical coding that previously had no bearing on reimbursements — and leading industry voices say there are multiple paths to getting there.

ICD-10 codes, specific diagnosis identifications long used by hospitals, will play a key role in the new Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), and facilities only have a few more months to get staffers up to speed.

Click here to continue reading this article.

Exclusive PDPM Training For HTS Partners

Generate Powerful ICD.10 Coding
We are committed to supporting our partners by offering exclusive PDPM webinar and live trainings in critical areas to foster success as we “Power through PDPM.”

These sessions will review ICD-10-CM coding conventions and official guidelines for coding/reporting to gain knowledge on appropriately assigning ICD-10 codes, a focus on the diagnosis codes that impact reimbursement under the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM). Please contact us to register. Not a partner? Contact us to learn how we’re providing even more value to our partners.

Tuesday, April 9 – Evansville
Wednesday, April 10 – Louisville
Wednesday, May 29 – Fort Wayne
Thursday, May 30 – Indianapolis

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Early Implementation for PDPM Success

By: Cassie Murray, OTR, ,QCP, Chief Operating Officer

Site-Specific PDPM Impact

Individual PDPM Meetings with all partner sites: All HTS partner sites received education on PDPM along with their specific PDPM Impact Analysis.

Deep Dive into Data

HTS operations is diving deep into site-specific data in order to establish additional best practices and clinical pathways based on diagnosis category and functional level. HTS is conducting extensive data analysis by site to analyze the following key items: history, patient population, conditions, principle diagnosis, diagnostic category, functional level, the amount of time spent in therapy as well as their functional outcomes. This data gives sound strategic direction to process improvements and clinical positioning to foster success under PDPM.

Therapy GG Coding Analysis

All HTS therapists are certified in the CMS Care Tool, which is the standardized outcome for mobility and self-care. However, we are auditing our therapists’ GG coding to ensure continued confidence that our therapists are accurate and skilled in GG coding.

Current MDS Data Analysis

HTS is partnering with clients to upload actual 2018 MDS data and provide patient-specific analysis to identify opportunities, trends, education, and auditing needs to ensure accuracy incoding and optimize system processes. This information is valuable as we craft a PDPM strategic plan for each community we serve.

Powerful Partnerships

We have collaborated with the nursing and MDS experts from Proactive Medical Review to provide comprehensive training and resources for nursing and other nontherapy departments within the IDT. Together we are offering our Power Through PDPM exclusive training series of monthly trainings to focus on each key component of PDPM preparedness.

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Technology We’re Loving!

The Bungee Mobility Trainer by Neurogym Tech. available through Medline

“Therapists like this piece of equipment because it allows our rehab guests to work on static and dynamic balance while eliminating the fear of falling. I witnessed a new CABG patient with sternal precautions dancing with one of our therapists using this device. Pretty amazing stuff!

Also, I like the design and smaller footprint of this piece as before our only options for partial weightbearing were to purchase ceiling tracks and harnesses, or large, expensive equipment that fits over treadmills and takes up too much space in the rehab gym. We have heard nothing but good reviews from our therapists on this piece of equipment. It’s becoming the next “must have” in addition to the Biodex Balance Trainer and the ACP Omnicycle which are always popular.”

–  Amanda Green, Executive Director Marketing & Strategic Development

Check it out now!

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Diabetes Management & Prevention

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. There is not any one specific cause of diabetes however there are many factors which contribute to a higher risk of getting the disease including but not limited to genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Type 1 Diabetes – Caused by genetics and unknown factors
There is no cure, however it can be managed to prevent further diabetes-related complications.

Type 2 Diabetes – Caused by genetics and lifestyle factors
Can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes.

Prediabetes affects more than 84 million adults in America
Losing weight and staying active can greatly reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Diet – A healthy diet is one that is rich in nutrients and low in calories. Eat foods high in fiber such as fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and nuts.
Hydration – Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks and caffeine.
Exercise – It’s very important to exercise for 45 minutes or more at least 3-4 times per week. Walking, riding a bicycle, running, and swimming are a few examples.

Therapy’s Role in Managing Diabetes

Occupational Therapy can help improve the individual’s physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory aspects; which are important in all aspects of everyday living activities.
Physical Therapy can assess to determine a set exercise routine that would be safe and beneficial. Also, diabetic neuropathy can be treated with massage, balance and gait training, and conditioning.
Speech Therapy can assist with difficulty swallowing or talking, due to complications of diabetes.

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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HTS Kicks Off PDPM Education

Last September through December, HTS provided introductory trainings via a series of PDPM 2-hour live trainings for partner communities and staff. The training covered PDPM fundamentals and methodology accompanied with an action plan for success. A facility specific PDPM impact analysis was completed as a baseline resource for operational readiness.

“I was privileged to be invited to a recent PDPM training in Edmonton conducted by HTS. The information that was provided at the training was focused and well presented. Although, I know there will be changes as the final rule develops in mid-2019, I felt that HTS had done an excellent job summarizing the proposed rule on PDPM and did a great job with the presentation.” – Terry Skaggs, CFO Wells Health System, Owensboro, KY

We would be happy to provide complimentary training. If you would like us to schedule time to meet with your acute care providers and physicians, contact us at info@htstherapy.com.

We are committed to supporting our partners by offering exclusive PDPM webinar and live trainings in critical areas to foster success as we “Power through PDPM.”

January:
PDPM Impact & Facility Action Plan

February:
Effective Systems & Section GG Coding

March:
Light up Your Admissions Process: Systems for Successful PDPM Transition

April-May:
Generate Powerful Coding—ICD.10 Live Trainings

June-July:
Supercharge Your MDS: 6-Part Series

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Engaging Acute Care Prior to PDPM

Education on PDPM

HTS is actively scheduling PDPM education for hospitals and physicians to keep valued referral sources and community partners informed on the pending change and how it will affect them and their post-acute partners. More specifically, this education will emphasize how important it is to have accurate, thorough, and timely patient information prior to the admission. By utilizing tools such as CliniSign, which captures an electronic signature of the physician and EMR cross-communication, we are on track to engage all parties in the joint goal of successful implementation of PDPM.

“It’s important that we give our hospitals and physicians early education on PDPM so that they understand the significance of this new reimbursement model and how it will impact care delivery. This also keeps them apprised of any significant provider behavior changes that could negatively impact quality of care and potentially increase preventable hospital readmissions.” -Amanda Green, Executive Director of Strategic Development

We would be happy to provide complimentary training. If you would like us to schedule time to meet with your acute care providers and physicians, contact us at info@htstherapy.com.

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The Benefits of Good Posture

The way you hold your body is posture and the way you move your body is body mechanics. There are correct ways to hold your body when you stand, walk, sit, lift and even sleep. Proper posture allows us to move in the way we want, causing our bodies the least amount of strain and damage. Adapting proper posture is an essential part to maintaining a healthy skeletal structure as you age.

  • REDUCE PAIN – Poor posture puts extra pressure on your discs and vertebrae and leads to injury and pain.
  • BREATHE EASIER – Good posture allows more space for your lungs to expand.
  • INCREASE ENERGY – When muscles are being used more efficiently it allows your body to use less energy.
  • IMPROVE BALANCE – Posture is part of balance. With age, your body tends to lean forward which makes you unstable and increases your risk for falling.

 

Improve Your Posture with Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can help correct and improve your posture by designing an individualized program of exercises and activities with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and proper gait. Your balance may be improved with exercises that strengthen the core, back, ankle, knee, and hip muscles along with exercises that improve the function of the balance system. Exercises that are focused on improving posture will stretch tight muscles and keep joints strong. If you have concerns about your posture, call your doctor and ask if physical therapy can help.

 

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Power Through PDPM

By: Cassie Murray, OTR, ,QCP, Chief Operating Officer

It is no secret that PDPM will be a significant change for providers. HTS has successfully traversed reimbursement changes alongside our partners in the past and emerged strong. We were prepared to tackle the challenge while maintaining the highest quality of care. PDPM will be no different. HTS has a plan for success. When our partners succeed under the new SNF reimbursement methodology, we succeed. The core elements of the new model press us, as direct caregivers, to essentially return to our “roots” by focusing all care decisions based on patient conditions and needs.

Revenue will no longer be based on managing therapy minutes, but will be directly aligned with patient care delivery. HTS therapists are passionate about individualized clinical profiles and meeting the care needs associated with specific patient characteristics. This change in philosophy will assist in breaking down the unintentional silos built around departments and is an opportunity to promote collaboration with strategic clinical programs and processes. We understand that the PDPM transition is likely to put an extra level of stress on nursing and MDS—who will be under pressure to understand all of the intricacies of PDPM including coding and special rules such as the interrupted stay policy and variable per diem adjustment. The pressure is definitely on as the nursing role in reimbursement rises to the top of the pile. But not to worry, HTS’s partners will have access to exceptional resources and training opportunities as we navigate this change together.

We remain optimistic that quality care, remarkable customer service, and appropriate reimbursement will be achieved under the new model. As partners in therapy, our clients are confident in our resources and unmatched expertise to navigate this change while working together toward a successful transition from RUGs IV to PDPM.

We would be happy to provide complimentary training. If you would like us to schedule time to meet with your acute care providers and physicians, contact us at info@htstherapy.com.

 

 

Speak with your doctor to find out how therapy could benefit you!

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Keep Moving for Your Heart!

Research shows regular exercise can slow cardiovascular aging.

As you age and become less active, your heart just like any other muscle in your body can weaken. Healthy blood vessels are flexible however with age blood vessels can become less elastic creating more work on the heart to pump.

Many of the effects of aging on the heart and blood vessels can be reduced by regular exercise. Just like other muscles, it’s possible to strengthen your heart too. Regular cardio exercise continues to display powerful benefits on slowing down the hearts aging process. Exercise is beneficial at any age; always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

Physical Activities for Older Adults

The US Department of Health & Human Services has established key exercise guidelines for older adults. For substantial health benefits, adults are encouraged to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week.

AEROBIC ACTIVITIES:

  • Walking or hiking
  • Dancing
  • Swimming
  • Water aerobics
  • Bicycle riding
  • Aerobic exercise classes

MUSCLE-STRENGTHENING ACTIVITIES:

  • Weight machines
  • Hand-held weights
  • Digging in the garden
  • Carrying groceries
  • Some forms of tai chi
  • Some yoga postures

Also, the American Heart Association recommends walking at least 150 minutes a week or 10,000 steps a day. Studies show for every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy for some people may increase by two hours.

 

Therapy Can Help with Cardiac Conditions

If you have a cardiac/cardiopulmonary condition, talk to your doctor about your treatment plan and ask if Physical or Occupational therapy can help. Therapy interventions include help with energy conservation techniques, activity tolerance training, sternal precautions after surgery, adaptive equipment training, stress management strategies, breathing techniques, home exercise programs, and patient education on diet and heart disease. The goal of therapy is to help you control your symptoms and resume an active and productive life within the limits of your condition.

Resources: Dept. of Health & Human Services, American Heart Association

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