FY 2027 ICD-10-CM codes effective Oct. 1, 2026

The October 1, 2026 diagnosis code update files are now available.  Use these files for discharges occurring from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 and for patient encounters occurring from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027. The 2027 ICD-10-CM & PCS files section below contains information on the …

SNF QRP: OBRA Discharge Assessment Determination Fact Sheet

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a one-page resource that clarifies when an OBRA Discharge assessment is required under the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual (Chapter 2). This resource outlines the primary discharge criteria, including hospital admissions, observation stays greater than 24 hours, and discharges to other care …

FY 2027 SNF VBP: June 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports Available

The June 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2027 SNF VBP Program are now available for download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). These reports provide SNFs their facility-level measure results for all eight quality measures during their FY 2027 SNF VBP Program performance period: Note: …

SNF VBP June 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for FY 2027

The June 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2027 SNF VBP Program are now available for download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). These reports provide SNFs their facility-level measure results for all eight quality measures during their FY 2027 SNF VBP Program performance period: Note: …

Get To Know Your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)

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 Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss getting to know your Medicare Administrative Contractor. Additional Resources:

Understanding OBRA and PPS Discharge Assessments:What NACs Need to Know

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 …

AAPACN Urges Reconsideration of Key SNF PPS Proposals for FY 2027

Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases a proposed Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) rule, outlining potential payment updates, quality reporting changes, and regulatory revisions that will affect SNFs nationwide. The …

TIP: CDC Updates Clinical Guidance for C. diff Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) updated its Clinical Guidance for C. diff Infection Prevention in Acute Care Facilities on May 13, 2026. The guidance emphasizes rapid isolation and contact precautions for residents with suspected or confirmed C. diff infection (CDI), including the use of dedicated equipment and …