Q&A: If a resident returns on day 30 after discharge (return anticipated), is it a readmission or new admission?

Question: If a resident was discharged return anticipated and comes back on day 30, would this be considered a readmission or a new admission? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: If the resident comes back on day 30, she would be a readmission not a new admission. …

Q&A: When resuming Medicare Part A within the 30-day transfer rule, which GG observation period should be used on a Significant Change in Status (SCSA) combined with a 5-Day?

Question: When resuming Medicare Part A within the 30-day transfer rule, which GG observation period should be used on a Significant Change in Status (SCSA) combined with a 5-Day? Answer from Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC: The GG observation period is the first three days of the Medicare …

Q&A: Does “at risk for malnutrition” qualify for coding if it is only documented by a dietitian and not by a physician?

Question: Does “at risk for malnutrition” qualify for coding if it is only documented by a dietitian and not by a physician? Answer from Jeff Taylor: The steps for assessment and coding instructions for I5600 require provider documentation during the 60-day observation period. You need a provider (physician, nurse practitioner …

SNF QRP and SNF VBP MDS Data Validation Program FAQs Updated

Overview What is the Data Validation Process? The Data Validation Process evaluates the accuracy of quality measure data elements derived from the Minimum Data Set (MDS), which are used in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) and Quality Reporting Programs (QRP) for assessing quality of care and measuring …

Cross-Setting: Falls with Major Injury (FMI) QM Respecification Training

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a Web-Based Training that provides the latest information about the respecification of the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) Quality Measure (QM) for the Post-Acute Care (PAC) Settings. The training provides an overview of the legacy and respecified FMI Measure, discusses …

ICD-10-CM Coding Spotlight Series – Part 4: Slips, Trips, and Fragile Bones: Why Not All Fractures Are Created Equal

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; …

Quick Reference Guide: Traumatic versus Pathologic Fracture

This quick reference tool helps interdisciplinary team members accurately distinguish between traumatic and pathological fractures for ICD-10-CM and MDS coding. It provides side-by-side guidance on coding rules, 7th character use, section I diagnosis coding (including I8000), and MDS item J1900C (falls with major injury). Use this tool to improve coding …

Q&A: What should be done with an incomplete MDS if a resident passes away?

Question: If a resident dies before an assessment is completed, should the MDS be finished or canceled? Answer from Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC: When a resident dies while in the middle of the completion of an assessment but before it is required to be completed, you should …

Q&A: Does one new pressure ulcer require a Significant Change in Status Assessment?

Question: If a resident develops a blood blister or pressure ulcer but has no other decline in ADLs, cognition, or condition, is a Significant Change in Status Assessment (SCSA) required? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: A new pressure ulcer is one area of decline. We are …

FY 2027 SNF PPS Proposed Rule: Associated Resources

From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/skilled-nursing-facility-snf/list-federal-regulations/cms-1843-p DRAFT SNF QRP New and Modified Items with a Proposed Effective Date of October 1, 2031: FY27_Proposed_Rule_SNF_All_Payer_draft_mockups_MDS__508.pdf (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/snf-quality-reporting-program/measures-and-technical-information Draft MDS re: proposed removal of MDS item O0350 on Oct. 1, 2027: CMS-10387 from https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/legislation/paperworkreductionactof1995/pra-listing-items/cms-10387