A stroke can change a resident’s life in an instant, but its effects often remain long after the treatment of the acute event. In the long-term care (LTC) setting, those residual deficits—difficulty swallowing, aphasia, impaired cognition, hemiplegia, weakness, and other neurologic impairments—frequently become the focus of daily care, rehabilitation services, …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment continues to grow, with more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries now receiving their coverage through an MA plan. But as enrollment has increased, so have concerns regarding coverage determinations in skilled nursing facilities …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. June’s Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the growing impact of cognitive disorders in long-term care (LTC) settings, where many residents live with complex dementia-related needs. Interdisciplinary teams care for residents whose diagnoses …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In the complex world of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment scheduling, discharge scenarios can often confuse even experienced interdisciplinary team (IDT) members. When a resident’s stay changes, due to either leaving the facility or a shift in payer …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. As summer approaches, many people begin thinking about health goals, wellness check-ins, and how to prepare for more outdoor activities in the warmer months. In the long-term care ICD-10 realm, preparation takes a different form: ensuring documentation and …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) frequently manage residents who temporarily leave the building or experience a break in Medicare Part A coverage. On the UB-04, these situations may look the same, often reflected as gaps in covered days or …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. As winter gives way to spring, many are relieved to leave behind icy sidewalks and the inevitable steady number of fall-related injuries that come with them. Yet in long-term care, fractures do not simply disappear with the snow; …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Seasonal celebrations often remind us how quickly small choices can add up. A little handful of candy or a few fruit jelly slices may seem insignificant, but piece by piece they do make an impact. In healthcare documentation …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. As National Kidney Month arrives in March, so does an important reminder: our kidneys work quietly every day, filtering waste, balancing fluids, and supporting overall health. Now is the perfect time for facility coders in long-term care (LTC) …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. February’s designation as American Heart Month offers an important opportunity to reflect on the role of cardiovascular health in long-term care (LTC). Cardiac conditions such as heart disease, hypertension (HTN), and heart failure are among the most frequently …
