Functional outcomes scores for rehab therapy and quality reporting data reported by skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are now open to the public. On October 28, 2020 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ‘refreshed’ the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data reported on Nursing Home Compare (NHC). And on December 9, 2020, CMS refreshed […]
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With each new patient welcomed into a skilled nursing facility (SNF), a therapist must complete a new patient registration form. From a patient’s strengths and weaknesses to the ultimate objective for their plan of care, every detail is recorded to track functional improvement over time. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to gather those […]
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While skilled nursing facilities typically provide long-term care for individuals, there is another aspect of care that may also require thoughtful consideration: a person’s mental health. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety affects up to 40 million adults in the U.S. every year, and depression affects up to 15 million Americans […]
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Whether it’s an extended first wave or the cresting second wave that is now consuming the nation, there’s no doubt that case numbers are continuing to rise.1 This is especially concerning for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) since data collected during the pandemic makes it clear that mortality rates in care facilities are higher than state-level […]
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As COVID cases trend upward in skilled nursing facilities1, organizations can benefit from infection prevention plans capable of reducing transmission without eliminating visitation. With pandemic priorities rapidly evolving, however, SNFs may be best served by a practical prevention plan designed to both meet current challenges and facilitate future changes. SNF Statistics At-a-Glance For SNFs, patient […]
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According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), telehealth claims have risen more than 8,000% during the pandemic as compared to April of last year.1 While telehealth services are gaining traction in the medical field, there is one area where it’s still trying to find its footing: skilled nursing facilities. With the ever-changing times […]
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As COVID-19 expectations for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) around personnel, policies and procedures are continually evolving – to survive, many SNFs are making the rapid shift to remote care. This shift comes with challenges to operational viability. Here are five tips to help SNFs reduce the stress of remote work at scale. 1) Evaluate Existing […]
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While the best patient care is always the chief goal, we as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are constantly looking for ways to streamline operations to protect the longevity of our businesses. If we have to close our doors, we can’t help anyone. And with the recent focus shift from volume-based to value-based care under the […]
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While the slow return to pre-pandemic normalcy comes with the promise of familiar healthcare functionality, permanent changes are also part of the post-COVID skilled nursing facility (SNF) market. From increased demand for agile care practices to the performance improvements that come with robust telehealth solutions1, navigating the “next normal” demands a new approach from SNFs […]
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As we all continue to adjust to the changes brought on by the implementation of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), it’s understandable that we’re going to have questions. One area that many SNF providers have been looking for clarification on is how and when to use the Interim Payment Assessment (IPA). Is this something that […]
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In early August, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced proposed changes to the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and some aspects of Medicare Part B that could end up lowering reimbursement for physical and occupational therapy. The exhaustive 1,355-page document1 outlined reimbursement, structural, and procedural changes proposed to begin January 1, 2021. While […]
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The release of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) in October of 2019 reshaped the operating landscape for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs).1 These new regulatory changes came coupled with new opportunities to leverage data to drive results. By identifying areas where data can be best employed, we’ve seen that managers, owners, and operators can make better […]
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