Effective Oct. 1, 2023, the full Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 will only be completed if the resident responds to the gateway PHQ-2 questions in a certain way. The Patient Health Questionnaire Completion Determination chart clarifies when to stop the PHQ after the PHQ-2, how to code the Total Severity Score, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released unexpected changes in the final RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2025. The AAPACN MDS Changes At-a-Glance tool provides a high-level overview and key takeaways from the changes. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual …
The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) 5-Character HIPPS code can be difficult to decipher. The PDPM HIPPS Code At-a-Glance tool will help nurse assessment coordinators quickly identify the key elements impacting Medicare reimbursement. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one copy for use within …
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in adults in the United States. Therefore, it is a common problem seen among patients receiving home care. Patients who have had a stroke typically have some weakness and difficulty caring for themselves. Use the Caring for Patients Who Have Had …
The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) are now available for download. This version reflects changes finalized in the FY 2026 SNF PPS final rule (90 FR 37310). Note that there are some minor changes since DRAFT 3 (below) was posted, including a new edit -4096. Please reference the Item Change and Edit Change …
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss a new way for NACs to test their knowledge – the NAC Competency Evaluation. Additional Resources:
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the August 2025 Performance Score Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are available for download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). Access this report to review the performance information …
Question: Can I count IV fluids and IV antibiotics that were administered in the hospital before admission and within the 7-day look-back period? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: IV fluid provided during the hospital stay within the 7-day look-back period of the ARD can be coded …
Question: I miscalculated the ARD window for a 5-Day and scheduled the 5-Day/PPS Discharge on day 9 of the Medicare stay. What do I need to do? Answer from Jeff Taylor:Leave everything as it is and bill one day default for the late assessment. Since the 5-Day is one day …
Question: Please clarify if section O “while a resident.” Per the RAI User’s Manual, “Check all treatments, procedures, and programs that the resident received or performed after admission/entry or reentry to the facility and within the last 14 days. If no treatments, procedures or programs were received by, performed on, …
