Online resource packed with regulatory news and expert guidance, tips & tools pertinent to professionals across the post-acute care continuum.
CMS has launched a new training program for SNFs new to the Quality Reporting Program (QRP). The training includes a general overview of the program, along with links and resources for SNFs. Specific topics include: Lesson 1: What is the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program? Lesson 2: The Minimum Data Set (MDS). Lesson 3: […]
Just as employers were taking a look at a bill in Congress aimed at providing paid leave for employees affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, the House-passed legislation took on changes in the Senate. As of early March 17, no Senate vote had been scheduled. Worries from business interests have resulted in a scaling back of […]
In order to address provider’s concerns regarding COVID-19, we have created a coronavirus forum where providers can connect with one another. The forum can include topics such as supplies, visitation, concerns, regulations, mandates, infection control, payment, staffing, etc. You’re not alone in this, we have you covered. Visit the forum to post questions, concerns, and […]
CMS has released updates to the Medicare Program Integrity Manual. The updates include changes to the chapter of the manual focused on coordination between Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPIC) when hospice aggregate cap liabilities are involved. CMS also updated the identify theft protections and victimized provider process section. The changes were […]
CMS is providing guidance to home health agencies and dialysis facilities concerning the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance gives information to healthcare workers specifically regarding screening, treatment and transfer procedures when working with patients. The guidance includes a frequently asked question section as well. The purpose of the guidance is to protect those who receive both […]
In its new guidance released March 13, CMS requires SNFs to take staff members’ temperatures and perform other screening tasks at the beginning of each shift: Screen all staff at the beginning of their shift for fever and respiratory symptoms. Actively take their temperature and document absence of shortness of breath, new or change in […]
The new measures CMS announced today, which supersede prior CMS guidance, constitute the agency’s most aggressive and decisive recommendations with respect to nursing home safety in the face of the spread of COVID-19. They include: Restricting all visitors, effective immediately, with exceptions for compassionate care, such as end-of-life situations. In these cases, visitors will be […]
President Trump declared COVID-19 a national emergency on March 13, prompting healthcare providers to active their emergency plans. Trump also advised that healthcare professionals utilize telehealth when possible to limit in-person interactions. By declaring COVID-19 a national emergency, the Trump administration has removed constraints on SNFs by waiving: License requirements so that medical professionals can […]
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the U.S., LTC providers face unique challenges to keep their high-risk residents safe. In an effort to fully understand the challenges SNFs are currently facing as a result of the virus, we’d like readers to complete a survey to tell us about their challenges. In order to aid home health and […]
By: Navin Gupta, VP, Home Health, Hospice & Private Duty, MatrixCare The digital age has created an overhaul of technology within the healthcare industry – transforming health records into collections of electronic data that should simplify administration processes for providers everywhere. But just because health records have gone digital, doesn’t mean it makes communication any […]