During their first days on the job, new nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) can expect paperwork and orientation videos as they are introduced to their role. But what should a new NAC expect by the end of the first week, first month, and beyond? Unfortunately, if the position was vacant for …
Jessie McGill, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA Every spring, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the next fiscal year’s (FY’s) payment policies and rates. This provides an opportunity for stakeholders and providers to respond during the comment period. Each year, the American …
We have all struggled with a stubborn knot or tangle at some point in our lives—whether it’s your kids’ shoelaces, your earbud cord, a garden hose, or even a fishing line. If you are a nurse assessment coordinator (NAC), you can also add Quality Measures (QMs) to that list. But …
The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) uses 161 MDS items to establish the five case-mix adjusted components. Some of these 161 items will have supporting documentation easily found in the medical record, but other items may require some digging. From burrowing through hospital records and querying the physician to probing staff …
Chronic conditions and comorbidities are common among both long-term residents and short-term patients in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). However, when the symptoms from these chronic conditions become part of the resident’s normal routine, they may be under-charted—which could result in inaccuracies in MDS assessments, care plans, Quality Measures, and reimbursement. …
One year. When asked how long it takes a new nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) to fully learn the job, I say at least one year. The nuances of the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) and Minimum Data Set (MDS) are substantial. The instructions for coding the MDS, the RAI User’s Manual, …
MDS accuracy is no joking matter, but who can resist a good dietary-related pun? I decided I would take a whisk and go for it. While nutrition has always played a key roll in the care planning process, the resident’s nutritional status carries a lot more weight since the October …
“Knock, knock?” “Who’s there?” When the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) walks into the room, the resident rolls his eyes and unenthusiastically says, “Oh, it’s you. Blue. Sock. Bed.” The scripted resident interviews can be redundant for many residents, but they do not need to be. While the scripted interviews must …
It started with a rhythm band. At the time, I was the nurse assessment coordinator and the restorative nurse, and I watched as the activity director guided a small group of residents shaking tambourines and other noise makers. She led the group in shaking their instruments above their heads, below …
Mrs. Elderberry is ready to go home. It’s been five long weeks of rehabilitation following a broken hip from that clumsy slip on a rug. Home. She’s wondering if her son actually watered her house plants that she proudly kept vibrant for years. Home. The nurse called her attention back …
