Taking Care of Your Joints

Joint pain is one of the most common forms of pain for aging adults. As you age, the fluid that lubricates your joints decreases and the cartilage that lines your joints becomes thinner. This causes your joints to become stiff, less flexible, and painful to move. Daily activities such as walking, sitting, and, getting out of bed can become more challenging. Poor joint health can significantly impact your ability to move and enjoy your life.

If you are experiencing joint pain and stiffness, talk with your doctor about physical and occupational therapy treatment options. Physical and occupational therapy can help you manage your pain so you can enjoy a more active, pain-free life.

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FY22 SNF PPS Medicare Final Rule

Blog by:  Shelly Maffia, MSN, MBA, RN, LNHA, QCP, CHC, CLNC, CPC-A, Director of Regulatory Services, Proactive Medical Review and Jessica Cairns, RN, RAC-CT, CMAC, Clinical Consultant, Proactive Medical Review

July 29th, 2021, the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) final rule was released. The rule, which goes into effect October 1, 2021, contained several updates, including factors affecting the usual payment rates, changes to diagnosis code mapping under the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), and updates to both the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program. In addition, there was discussion surrounding the much-debated future PDPM parity adjustment which considers how SNFs will pay back the estimated $1.7 Billion “overpayment” for the first year of PDPM. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the biggest takeaways affecting our business and how to prepare.

Medicare Part A Rates

The Federal Per Diem rates are updated annually and take effect every October 1st. The typical “raise” SNFs receive is over 2%. This October, CMS anticipates a 1.2% rate increase, which equates to approximately $411 million more in PPS reimbursement as compared to 2021. This is based on an unadjusted increase of 2.7% reduced by both a 0.08% forecast error and a 0.07% productivity adjustment. The unadjusted per diem components of the rates for FY 2022 are listed below for both urban and rural providers. Of these rates, 70.4% of each component is adjusted by the wage index, which varies for each core-based statistical area. Listed below are the unadjusted rates for October 1st, 2021.

Unadjusted Federal Rate Per Diem-Urban

Unadjusted Federal Rate Per Diem-Rural

To give you an idea of the daily rate changes [urban] from FY2021 to FY2022, the PT component will increase $0.78/day, OT component to $0.73/day, SLP to $0.29/day, Nursing to $1.35/day, NTA to $1.02/day and the Flat Rate $1.22/day.

Delayed PDPM Parity Adjustment

SNF’s can celebrate this small victory. The parity adjustment was the top concession that CMS made in response to feedback on the proposed rule. This proposed rule left us with the potential of $1.7 billion (5%) parity reduction as CMS data supported that PDPM was not budget neutral as it intended. Said differently, depending on the different component combinations, the rate could have been $10-48.00 per day lower. While we get a pass this year, the rate recalibration will be re-examined in the Proposed Rule for FY2023.

ICD-10-CM code mappings for PDPM classification

The final rule contained updates to the mapping of several diagnoses and where they are classified under the PDPM. Some of the conditions affected include the following:

The FY 2022 PDPM ICD-10 Mapping file is available at https://www.cms.gov/files/zip/fy-2022-pdpm-icd-10-mappings.zip

HIV Add-On

The add-on for HIV was renewed and remains unchanged from prior years, including a 12.8 percent increase to the nursing component and an additional add-on of 8 points to the non-therapy ancillary (NTA) component. This add-on is based on claims data containing a diagnosis code for HIV or AIDS (B20).

VBP Program

CMS is suppressing the use of SNF readmission measure data for purposes of scoring and payment adjustments in the FY 2022 SNF VBP Program Year as a result of the PHE. They will use the previously finalized performance period (4/1/2019-12/31/2019 and 7/01/2020-09/30/2020) and baseline period (FY 2019) to calculate each SNF’s RSRR for the SNFRM and assign all SNFs a performance score of zero in the FY 2022 SNF VBP Program Year, resulting in all SNFs receiving an identical performance score and incentive payment multiplier. SNFs will not be ranked for the FY 2022 SNF VBP program.

CMS will reduce each participating SNF’s adjusted Federal per diem rate for FY 2022 by 2 percentage points and award each participating SNF 60 percent of that 2 percent withholding, resulting in a 1.2 percent payback for the FY 2022 SNF VBP Program Year. Those SNFs subject to the Low-Volume Adjustment policy (fewer than 25 eligible stays during the performance period) would receive 100 percent of their 2 percent withhold.

For FY2024, the performance period will be FY 2022 and the baseline period will be FY2019.

Currently, the SNF VBP program only includes the readmission measure. CMS is considering adding additional measures in the future. The table below shows the additional measures under consideration, in addition to these measures, CMS is also considering adding a measure related to staff turnover.

(SOURCE: Federal Register)

Consolidated Billing

Effective with items and services furnished after 10/01/2021, CMS has established an additional category of excluded codes for certain blood clotting factors for the treatment of patients with hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders, which includes those identified by HCPCS codes J7170, J7175, J7177-J7183, J7185-J7190, J7192-J7195, J7198-J7203, J7205, and J7207-J7211. The latest list of excluded codes can be found on the SNF Consolidated Billing website at https://www.cms.gov/​Medicare/​Billing/​SNFConsolidatedBilling.

QRP

The SNF QRP currently has 13 measures for the FY 2022 SNF QRP:

  • MDS Assessment-Based
    • Changes in Skin Integrity Post-Acute Care: Pressure Ulcer/Injury
    • Application of Percent of Residents Experiencing One or More Fall with Major Injury (Long Stay) (NQF #0674)
    • Application of Percent of Long-Term Care Hospital Patients with an Admission and Discharge Functional Assessment and a Care Plan That Addresses Function (NQF #2631)
    • Application of IRF Functional Outcome Measure: Change in Mobility Score for Medical Rehabilitation Patients (NQF#2634)
    • Application of IRF Functional Outcome Measure: Discharge Mobility Score for Medical Rehabilitation Patients (NQF#2636)
    • Application of IRF Functional Outcome Measure: Change in Self-Care Score for Medical Rehabilitation Patients (NQF#2633)
    • Application of IRF Functional Outcome Measure: Discharge Self-Care Score for Medical Rehabilitation Patients (NQF#2635)
    • Drug Regimen Review Conducted with Follow-Up for Identified Issues- Post Acute Care (PAC) Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP)
    • Transfer of Health Information to the Provider Post-Acute Care
    • Transfer of Health Information to the Patient Post-Acute Care
  • Claims-Based
    • Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary (MSPB) – PAC SNF QRP
    • Discharge to Community – PAC SNF QRP (NQF #3481)
    • Potentially Preventable 30-day Post-Discharge Readmission Measure for SNF QRP

CMS will adopt two new SNF QRP measures beginning with the FY 2023 SNF QRP:

  • SNF Healthcare-Associated Infections Requiring Hospitalization measure –
    • Will use FY 2019 claims data to calculate this measure for the FY 2023 QRP.
    • This measure will be publicly reported beginning with the April 2022 Care Compare refresh.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel measure –
    • Will use data submitted to NHSN by SNFs to calculate this measure with an initial data submission period from 10/1/2021-12/31/2021.
    • Starting in CY 2022, SNFs will be required to submit data for the entire calendar year beginning with the FY2024 SNF QRP.
    • This measure will be publicly reported beginning with the October 2022 Care Compare refresh or as soon as technically feasible using data collected for Q4 2021 and the most recent quarter of data will be reported during each advancing Care Compare refresh.

In addition, CMS is also updating the denominator for the Transfer of Health Information to the Patient PAC measure to exclude residents discharged home under the care of home health or hospice service.

How to Prepare

Make plans to share this information and assess the impact on your facility over the next two months in preparation for the October 1 effective date.

Quick list of action items:

  • Review the rate changes including modifications to VBP adjustments, to determine the financial impact they will have on your organization
  • Incorporate updated rates into your budget and plan accordingly
  • Ensure the billing office is up to date on the current components that affect Medicare rates. This includes ensuring updates to billing software.
  • Discuss the changes in the ICD-10 mapping with the appropriate staff and include the new consolidated billing exclusions related to blood-clotting factors in that conversation.
  • Provide education to clinical staff on changes to VBP and QRP and verify you have processes in place to report all required information.
  • Ensure the infection control nurse has a process in place to report required vaccine information to the CDC.
  • Continue to monitor facility readmission rates and ensure a process is in place to mitigate unnecessary rehospitalizations.

References

 

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About Proactive Medical Review
HTS partners with Proactive Medical Review, a third party company who specializes in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting measurable care excellence. The team includes SNF experienced nurse, MDS, Health Facility Administrator, therapist and reimbursement specialists with experience serving in multi-site contract therapy operations, as corporate directors of quality, clinical program specialists, and Compliance Officers. Proactive is uniquely positioned to assist in managing the many changes and challenges facing providers partnered with HTS. Learn more about our commitment to compliance here.

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What To Do After A Fall

Everybody falls no matter what age, but for older adults, a fall can result in serious injuries. Knowing what to do if a fall occurs can be helpful to minimize additional injury. We recommend practicing getting up from a fall and fall safety tips to prevent injuries related to falls.

Steps to Take After a Fall

Step 1: Assess Your Injuries
Remain calm, take a deep breath and check for injuries.
Step 2: Call for Help
If you are injured or need assistance to get up, use a pendant alarm or phone to call for help.
Step 3: Get Your Body to All Fours Position
Use your elbows and arms to push your body up to a sitting position. Scoot on your bottom or crawl in an all-fours position towards sturdy furniture.
Step 4: Use Furniture to Pull Yourself Up
Using your good knee, get into a lunge position. Place both hands on the chair. Use your arms and legs to push up onto both feet and slowly rise to a standing position.
Step 5: Assess For Pain
When in a standing position, assess your pain. If you experience any pain, you should sit and wait for help.

Therapy Can Help Reduce Falls & Improve Balance
Physical Therapists provide balance training that targets specific muscle groups and challenges your body to improve your balance and ability to walk. Occupational Therapists can recommend, fit, and provide training on assistive devices and assess your home environment to prevent falls and help you get around safely.

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Top 5 Therapy Clinical Outcome Focus Areas Part 5 of 5: Part B Programming

HTS has identified the top 5 therapy clinical outcome focus areas for 2021 based on our experiences from 2020 which allow us to uniquely identify opportunities for clinical growth.

 

This month’s clinical outcome focus area is:

Part B Programming

One of the many challenges faced during the Public Health Emergency in 2020 included keeping up with the federal, state, and facility specific protocols and strategies to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19. However, with vaccinations and new processes in place based on evolving regulation, utilizing Part B Programming has become less restricted and more able to be optimized. HTS has prioritized 5 ways to maintain quality part B programming in your facility.

1) Take a Deep-dive into Your CASPER
Quality Measures (QMs) are a rich source of information that are recommended to be monitored on a routine basis to assist with quality improvement. QMs directly impact survey results, can influence referral sources and partnerships, and could even be a factor for pay-for-performance which may be where the future is headed. QMs are based on indicators of the outcome of resident care based on resident specific information from MDS assessment information as well as a few claim-based measures.

QM reports are available through the CASPER report system. The CASPER Report MDS 3.0 Resident Level Quality Measure Report identifies all residents, active and discharged, who were included in the QM calculations. The report indicates which, if any, QMs were triggered for each resident. This serves as an important tool that facilitates detailed record review of residents. The information may be used in QAPI activities, survey process, and to potentially identify rehab need.

2) Utilize a Systematic Approach for Therapy Referrals
We have seen the most success when there are streamlined processes for referring to therapy when changes in function are identified prior to the completion of the MDS. Ideally, the quarterly schedule is distributed to the IDT so that there is adequate time for thorough screening, a physician order, and completion of therapy evaluation(s) before the onset of the assessment period.

  • For example, the MDS coordinator would distribute the quarterly assessment schedule at least two weeks in advance of the assessment period.
  • Then, therapy performs the direct screen as well as collaborates with the IDT to identify any areas of change or skilled need.
  • For patients identified as appropriate for therapy services, the physician’s order is obtained and therapy is scheduled to successfully be captured on the MDS as clinically indicated.

3) Look for Change in Function Through MDS Review
The MDS has several sections that are helpful when identifying potential rehab need. Comparing the last two most recent assessments for change in function is an additional screening strategy that can be used in conjunction with the preferred streamlined referral process. The information can also be used as supportive documentation which can then lead to a request for a physician’s order for a therapy eval and treat as indicated.

  • Sections of the MDS that can be used as supportive documentation for rehab orders (if change is observed) include Sections B, C, GG, H, I, and K.
  • SLP focus example: there are a few sections that can help a SLP identify rehab need. Section K codes for swallowing and nutrition and also weight loss of 5% or more in the last month or 10% or more in the last 6 months.
  • Section K0510C is of particular importance for SLPs. In this section, it is made known if the patient has had a change in texture of foods or liquids. If there has been a recent downgrade, this is something to consider when selecting patients for screening purposes.
  • Some MDS software even have reports that can show any diet downgrades that have occurred in a specified timeframe. This orders report that is filtered by diet changes at the resident level serves as another great screening tool.

4) Implement HTS Proprietary Clinical Programming and Pathways
HTS clinical programs are created and introduced in pace with the expanding needs and legislative changes of our industry. Guiding principles for program creation are contingent upon an IDT approach, person-centered care delivery, quantitative research, and quality measure improvement.

Examples of HTS Clinical Programs & Pathways are available below:

The 3 Most Recently Developed HTS Clinical Programs

COVID-19 Recovery

Most recently, HTS has created a Post COVID-19 Rehabilitation Program. This program was developed by HTS clinical staff in response to a large need of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and are experiencing lingering health issues. Ideally, outpatients and long-term residents who have recovered from COVID-19 would benefit from this type of therapeutic intervention.

Fall Prevention

STEADY: Comprehensive Therapy Approach to Fall Prevention was designed to provide the best tools and evidenced-based practices to reduce resident falls and improve safe movement.

  • Therapy-driven program utilized by PT, OT, and ST
  • Reviews 12 areas that lead to falls
  • Use of evidence-based assessments and interventions
  • Patient and caregiver education is a vital component
Quality Measures

Star Quality Improvement Program

Therapy expertise and intervention is a key factor in improving quality. Therapy can have a direct impact on quality and outcomes. The HTS Star Quality Improvement Program focuses on utilizing rehab services to assist in improving specific quality measures. Currently, facility ratings are based on the performance of specific quality measures that are listed on the CMS Care Compare website, previously known as Nursing Home Compare.

Modules include:

  • ADL
  • Mobility
  • Pressure Ulcer Prevention
  • Physical/Medication Restraint
  • Pain Treatment
  • Falls
  • Weight Loss
  • Discharge to Community

Therapy driven IDT programming, pathways, and education facilitate quality HTS Part B Programming

HTS therapists are equipped with clinical programs, pathways, and therapy specific education modules to address functional declines in your building. HTS e-Academy has two on-demand webinars available to HTS therapists to facilitate robust Part B Programming. These webinars are entitled “Quality Part B Programming for SNFs” which includes strategies for physical and occupational therapists and “Quality SLP Part B Programming.” Both webinars include a step-by-step guide to process improvement for your part B caseload as well as all the resources needed to accomplish successful program implementation.

5) Review Benchmarking and Trends with Quality Part B Reporting

HTS Therapy Rehab Managers and Regional Directors use Business Intelligence (BI) which is powered through Net Health Therapy (formally known as Optima). BI reports are pulled on a weekly basis to identify areas of opportunity. Action plans are developed and implemented with the IDT as warranted. Key performance indicators specific to Part B patients include but are not limited to:

  • PT/OT/ST B units per visit
  • Percent of long-term residents receiving therapy services
  • GG outcomes
  • Average length of stay by payor
  • Average length of stay by diagnostic category

These 5 solutions to maintain quality part B programming allow HTS therapists to continue to provide function focused, patient-centered care based on medical necessity. The high caliber of clinically driven HTS therapists paired with HTS Part B Programming and report interpretation uniquely positions us to care for your residents.

Need a Powerful Therapy Partner? Contact Amanda Green, Executive Director of Strategic Development amanda@htstherapy.com for information about our contract therapy partnerships.

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Yardwork Safety Tips

Yardwork and gardening can be very rewarding and pleasurable activities for all ages. Bending, stretching, and pulling weeds from standing or sitting is great physical exercise. However, it can often lead to back pain, sore muscles, joint aches, and injuries…especially for older adults.

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Top 5 Therapy Clinical Outcome Focus Areas – Part 4 of 5: Section GG Outcomes

HTS has identified the top 5 therapy clinical outcome focus areas for 2021 based on our experiences from 2020 which makes us better equipped to overcome COVID-19 related obstacles. Furthermore, after attending a 15-hour training and certification process, HTS management staff have all become “PDPM Masters.” These additional “feathers in our cap” allow us to uniquely champion process improvement initiatives alongside your interdisciplinary team. As HTS continues to identify opportunities for clinical growth, a key process improvement area will be discussed each month.

 

This month’s clinical outcome focus area is:

Section GG Outcomes

Analysis of outcomes comes in many different forms. For CMS, outcome data is derived from coding in Section GG of the MDS. As we begin to see more medical review of PDPM claims, we have seen first-hand that section GG and documentation of collaboration of the patient’s usual functional performance is the golden ticket to defend our claims. As information and regulatory standards continue to evolve, HTS has concentrated therapist efforts and education to assure training and documentation standards of care align with Section GG regulations and standards.

Improving communication and processes between departments produces the best Section GG accuracy. The top three ways to improve Section GG Coding include:

1) Therapy use of the HTS Business Intelligence functionality via Net Health’s (formerly known as Optima) operating system provides a detailed analysis of the Section GG Daily Dashboard. This information is then used at the site level to identify facility-specific process improvement initiatives. The dashboard also allows the user to drill to the patient level, identify trends and/or outliers, and action plan as clinically indicated.

2) Facility staff rounding for OBRA ARD communication between the MDS and therapy department will be fine-tuned to assure best GG coding practices across all payors. To meet the state requirements for GG collection for OBRA assessments, processes to collect this information should be effectively communicated. We recommend that all IDT work together when possible, to code usual GG performance. When the therapy assessments align with the ARD, therapists can then contribute GG information for Med B, MGD B, Medicaid, and Private Pay so that collaborative coding is achieved.

3) Review of RAI item set definitions to master the intent of each GG item being coded. HTS encourages all section GG contributors to familiarize themselves with the item set definitions so that coding is as accurate as possible. This review is important because it helps secure proper reimbursement for the care being provided by your team.

  • For example, per the RAI, the admission assessment for wheelchair items should be coded only for residents who used a wheelchair prior to admission. If the patient did not use a wheelchair at prior level of function and declined in the hospital which then required the use of a wheelchair in the SNF, section GG0110 (prior device use) would be coded as “no.” This is coded as such since GG0110 is indicative of use prior to the current illness, exacerbation, or injury. Then, if during the SNF stay the resident is not learning how to self-mobilize using a wheelchair, the 5-day assessment for wheelchair use would also be coded as “no.” This then elicits a skip pattern on the MDS, no goal would be applied, and the answer would remain “no” on the discharge assessment.
As we continue to learn more about medical review focus areas, denials based on lack of supportive GG documentation continues to be an area for improvement. Good communication and processes are imperative to support your coding decisions.

Need a Powerful Therapy Partner? Contact Amanda Green, Executive Director of Strategic Development amanda@htstherapy.com for information about our contract therapy partnerships.

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A Good Night’s Sleep

A common challenge that many seniors face is getting a good night’s sleep. As you age, you may notice that you nap more during the day, feel tired earlier at night, have trouble falling asleep, or wake up in the middle of the night and have a hard time getting back to sleep quickly. These issues can cause you to still feel exhausted each morning.

Proper sleep helps your body by improving concentration and memory formation, and allows time for your body to repair any cell damage that occurred during the day.  Also, it allows you to wake up and have more energy to start your day. Research suggests many strategies that can help you overcome any sleep difficulties you might have and encourage a better night’s rest.

Tips to Improve Sleep:

  • Naturally boost your melatonin levels. Avoid artificial light at night by turning off the TV and computer at least one hour before bed.
  • Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool. Try using a sound machine, ear plugs, or a sleep mask.
  • Move bedroom clocks out of view. The light can disrupt your sleep and anxiously watching the minutes pass can cause insomnia.
  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up about the same time every day, even on weekends.
  • Nap early. Nap early in the afternoon. Napping late in the day may disrupt your nighttime sleep.
  • Exercise. The chemicals released in your body during exercise promote more restful sleep.

How Can Outpatient Therapy Help?

Physical and Occupational Therapists use evidence-based interventions to address sleep issues and promote optimal sleep performance.  Therapy can help by addressing conditions that may be causing poor sleep quality such as pain, decreased range of motion, depression, and anxiety.  Additionally, therapy can help with establishing good bedtime routines, managing pain and fatigue, or addressing other barriers that make bedtime difficult like getting in and out of bed and trips to the restroom at night.

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Top 5 Clinical Outcome Areas for 2021: Part 1

Looking back from 2020, the start of this New Year has been more reflective than most. As an organization, fully “seeing 20/20” in 2021 has been made possible by the clarity gained through the experiences and challenges we all faced last year. In 2020, we relied more on our clinical knowledge than ever before to develop creative solutions for staffing, in-room treatments and utilizing tele technology–all while emphasizing the patient-centered delivery model. Although it is likely that 2021 will bring similar challenges as those from last year, as an industry we know what we are capable of accomplishing. We are also now better equipped to overcome COVID-19 related obstacles with the use of exponentially expanded partner and therapist toolkits, policies, and procedures.

We at HTS have identified the top 5 therapy clinical outcome focus areas for 2021 to improve processes and clinical delivery across the IDT.

 

This month’s clinical focus area is:

Workflow Process Improvement

Optimizing processes for workflow improvement allows organizations to work smarter and more efficiently. This can be as simple as reducing redundant information sharing to using static agendas and communication tools.

HTS supports our valued partners with a “best practice” workflow system analysis. Our HTS management team is uniquely positioned to facilitate workflow processes to allow more efficient identification for educational and training opportunities. These action items are then used to drive process improvement with the facility’s interdisciplinary team.

Check out the top 3 ways your building can enhance processes for maximum efficiency and coding accuracy. Use of these HTS tools and resources are available exclusively for HTS partners.

1.  Use of the HTS Preadmission Screening Tool

The HTS PDPM Pre-Admission Evaluation Tool is a 3-page screening document that assists care coordinators in capturing clinically indicated patient characteristics to attain a projected PDPM clinical category and per diem rate (available via a rate estimator). This is a great guiding tool for admissions and clinical liaisons to use while gathering information from the hospital record. This tool also assures accuracy with coding. Our interdisciplinary teams have found this tool to be especially useful when capturing NTA comorbidities and CMG classification.

2.  Formalized Meeting Guides

PDPM implementation required system adaptation and modification for success. The PDPM Initial Medicare Assessment Meeting Tool is highly recommended to bring the team together for a guided, patient-specific clinical discussion. Suggested medical record items for interdisciplinary meeting discussion are recommended and a template for documentation of communicated action items is also provided.

Buildings that have implemented use of this specific tool have observed a marked improvement in the quality of communication. Additionally, they specifically saw an increase in timeliness when querying the physician and an improved ability to capture NTA comorbidities. Providing a standardized and formalized platform to determine usual performance for Section GG has also streamlined consistency across the record. Our partners agree this is definitely a “must have” for PDPM meetings.

We also recommend use of a weekly Medicare Meeting Form to provide a more structured, formal discussion of patient specific clinical complexities. The HTS Medicare Meeting Form which was revised in 2020 paired with use of the Medicare Meeting Discussion Guide ensures all attendees are present, timely, and prepared to stimulate discussion with the team.

3.  Optimization of IDT Communication to Achieve Consistency Across the Medical Record

“Consistency across the record” is one big component all providers strive to achieve. This consistency is primarily accomplished by effective interdisciplinary communication. MDS coding lacking supportive documentation puts a claim at risk for medical review, which could negatively impact reimbursement.

Rate setting, captured by coding on the MDS, involves a team approach to integrate systems in order to achieve reimbursement appropriate for the patient’s clinical complexities. For example, Section GG requires multiple disciplines between days 1-3 to determine the usual functional performance. Simply attaining function scores from one discipline, such as only nursing or only therapy, puts the claim at risk for medical review. Furthermore, coding that is not supported by documentation within the chart is another risk factor for medical review.

Since Section GG contributes to 3 of the 5 components of the PDPM rate, effective GG function score procedures are imperative for success under PDPM. Some great solutions are available within the Section GG Workflow Resources section of our PartnerHQ portal. Tools such as the Function Score Quick Tips are also available to optimize processes in your building to minimize medical review risk and achieve consistency across the medical record.

Need a Powerful Therapy Partner? Contact Amanda Green, Executive Director of Strategic Development amanda@htstherapy.com for information about our contract therapy partnerships.

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Top 5 Therapy Clinical Outcome Focus Areas Part 3 of 5: Medicaid CMI

HTS has identified the top 5 therapy clinical outcome focus areas for 2021 based on our experiences from 2020 which makes us better equipped to overcome COVID-19 related obstacles. Furthermore, after attending a 15-hour training and certification process, HTS management staff have all become “PDPM Masters.” These additional “feathers in our cap” allow us to uniquely champion process improvement initiatives alongside your interdisciplinary team. As HTS continues to identify opportunities for clinical growth, a key process improvement area will be discussed each month.

 

This month’s clinical outcome focus area is:

Medicaid CMI

HTS has made it our goal to partner with our clients in every facet of the skilled nursing facility – not just within the walls of the therapy gym. Through business review meetings and discussions with HTS therapists and regional directors, we have become aware of the need for a more detailed look at Medicaid CMI. The HTS team immediately went to work to create a deep-dive analysis program. Now, HTS management is able to apply operational, clinical, and strategic insight to provide solutions to help our clients efficiently assign a dollar value to the treatment of Medicaid patients that is consistent with medical needs. HTS is here to serve you as a facilitator of opportunity and process improvement initiatives through a Medicaid CMI Deep-Dive. Medicaid CMI success is achieved through a three-pronged approach:

Medicaid CMI Deep-Dive Services currently available to HTS Clients

HTS management completes report interpretation at the site level by analyzing data provided within the Time-Weighted CMI Resident Roster Report. A summary of potential vulnerabilities and opportunity areas are identified and reported to the interdisciplinary team. Opportunities are then discussed and assigned to a process improvement champion. Timeframes are designated to keep the team on track with system development. CMI information is then tracked on a quarterly basis to show benchmarking and trends. This value-add service comes with a standard rate of $500. However, for HTS clients, this proprietary deep-dive is offered as a complimentary service.

See below for additional step-by-step details of the deep-dive process:

  1. The Time-Weighted CMI Resident Roster Report for the last 4 quarters are requested.
  2. Reports are interpreted and analyzed by the HTS Management Team
  3. A site-specific, customized presentation of Medicaid CMI data analysis is provided. Opportunities for Medicaid CMI improvement are identified and discussed.
  4. Medicaid CMI data tracking continues as reports are received.
  5. HTS Regional Directors are your “boots on the ground” to facilitate process improvement initiatives.

Need a Powerful Therapy Partner? Contact Amanda Green, Executive Director of Strategic Development amanda@htstherapy.com for information about our contract therapy partnerships.

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Top 5 Therapy Clinical Outcome Focus Areas Part 2 of 5: PDPM Case Mix

HTS has identified the top 5 therapy clinical outcome focus areas for 2021 based on our experiences from 2020 which makes us better equipped to overcome COVID-19 related obstacles. Furthermore, after attending a 15-hour training and certification process, HTS management staff have all become “PDPM Masters.” These additional “feathers in our cap” allow us to uniquely champion process improvement initiatives alongside your interdisciplinary team. As HTS continues to identify opportunities for clinical growth, a key process improvement area will be discussed each month.

 

This month’s clinical outcome focus area is:

PDPM Case Mix

“It’s not enough to be providing excellent patient care anymore. Under PDPM, if you don’t code correctly on the MDS, you’re not going to get credit for it.” – Sheena Mattingly M.S., CCC-SLP, RAC-CT, HTS Director of Clinical Outcomes.

HTS has identified 5 areas of opportunity to improve PDPM Case Mix. Let’s take a deeper-dive by discussing the 5 areas of attack to optimize PDPM case mix classification coding.

1.  Assure good communication and collaboration of the function score (Section GG) which drives the nursing, and PT/OT CMG classification.

At this point we are all aware of Section GG’s impact on Medicare reimbursement under PDPM, but odds are we still need some fine tuning. Review current processes for attaining Section GG coding to assure IDT collaboration of usual performance is documented and available within the medical record. Section GG is of utmost importance not only for PDPM reimbursement but also for Quality Measures, SNF QRP, and 5-Star Rating.

2.  Review your facility’s process for querying the physician to capture any coding opportunities. HTS recommends use of our Initial Medicare Meeting Tool.

Imagine this all too familiar scenario, the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in your building identifies a newly admitted patient has aphasia. This SLP then brings this information to the Initial Medicare Meeting and presents her findings. The IDT agrees and proceeds to query the physician for a diagnosis so that the aphasia is considered active within the 7-day lookback period and can be coded in section I4300 of the MDS. This example of excellent communication results in a more accurately coded MDS that is reflective of the patient’s clinical needs. More specifically, the coding opportunity identified is counted as a SLP-Related Condition in the SLP PDPM “bucket” which is directly tied to PDPM reimbursement.

3.  Use the HTS IMA SLP Component Communication Tool.

This tool is to be assigned to be completed by a SLP or an OT. It is designed to be used to identify potential coding opportunities from the SLP’s or OT’s skilled perspective. The opportunity can then be presented to the IDT for discussion. Prior to PDPM, components such as Section K of the MDS or coding of a mechanically altered diet did not correlate to a rate setting. Now, we do get “credit” for these types of clinically indicated coding opportunities which means communication is key.

4.  Use the HTS Nursing Case-Mix Classification Quick Tip Handouts which is available to HTS Partners on the PartnerHQ Web Portal.

Each nursing component Quick Tip Handout is paired with a HTS High Impact Webinar available on demand on the PartnerHQ Web Portal. For example, when reviewing the Special Care High Quick Tip Handout, you will see that a commonly overlooked classification item may be a patient with COPD. If this patient has shortness of breath while lying flat and this is documented within the medical record, this patient would classify as Special Care High versus Physical Functioning. There are several Quick Tip Handouts. They are a one-page resource that aide in familiarizing yourself with the details of the components for each nursing classification.

5.  Rely on the HTS therapy department for key performance indicator data analysis.

HTS Therapy Rehab Managers use a PDPM Analytic Business Intelligence Dashboard which is powered through Net Health Therapy (formally known as Optima). This report is pulled on a weekly basis to identify areas of opportunity. An action plan is then discussed with the therapy team and the HTS Regional Director is also consulted to drive process improvement. Key performance indicators analyzed include but are not limited to:

  • PDPM Covered Day Count and Patient Count
  • Case Mix Group Distribution
  • Treatment Minutes per Visit
  • PT/OT/ST B Units per Visit
  • Section GG Outcome Data

Need a Powerful Therapy Partner? Contact Amanda Green, Executive Director of Strategic Development amanda@htstherapy.com for information about our contract therapy partnerships.

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