AAPACN offers two great tools to assist nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) in scheduling OBRA assessments. Be prepared for 2026 with these two tools that are free to members: This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one copy for use within their facility only. AAPACN …
Do you have an organized approach to collect MDS data during the 7- and 14-day look-back periods? AAPACN’s MDS Data Collection for the NAC tool provides an organized approach to gathering supporting data from the medical record, medication administration record, treatment record, and more. This tool can save you time …
MDS section L (Oral/Dental Status) is one of the most frequently undervalued areas of the MDS, says Eleisha Wilkes, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, a senior consultant with Proactive LTC Consulting in Evansville, IN. “Generally, it is perceived as a minor section because it doesn’t directly affect payment in …
The nursing component of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) may appear straightforward: calculate a section GG Nursing Function Score and assign the resident to one of six nursing categories. But accuracy relies on a detailed understanding of coding rules, observation periods, and documentation requirements that determine both compliance and reimbursement …
Question: Is there a specific table that shows which items if dashed will count against us for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP)? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: Yes, CMS releases a document for each fiscal year (FY). The current document, Skilled Nursing …
Question: Is a Pure Wick catheter coded as an external catheter? Answer from Scott Heichel RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: Yes, this would meet the definition of an external catheter in the RAI User’s Manual. EXTERNAL CATHETERDevice attached to the shaft of the penis like a condom, …
Question: When assessing a fall with an injury to the head, such as a laceration, bruise, or hematoma, would this automatically be considered a major injury? Answer from Jessie McGill RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-CTA and Scott Heichel RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: The RAI User’s Manual definition for …
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, answer some follow-up questions from the recent AAPACN webinar, “Ready or Not: Oct. 1, 2025 MDS Changes,” hosted …
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The ICD-10-CM Coding Convention Terminology Quick Reference Guide provides a concise reference to key ICD-10-CM coding terminology and conventions for long-term care nurse assessment coordinators and coders. This guide simplifies complex terms and coding rules including clear definitions of common terms, a list of important abbreviations, and key coding conventions. …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated guidance for the COVID-19 vaccine administration and the adult immunization schedule. The CDC’s Adult Immunization Schedule webpage was updated Oct. 7, 2025, which changed the color coding of the COVID-19 vaccination for all adult age groups to blue. This indicates …
