Deep Dive into ICD-10-CM: Diagnosis Sequencing Guidelines

The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code assignment continues to be a bit of an enigma in the long-term care setting. Members regularly ask questions about ICD-10-CM coding in AAPACN’s online communities, as well as in post-education surveys, often confused about how to order the codes. …

FY 2026 SNF VBP Program Fact Sheet and Incentive Payment Multiplier Calculation Infographic

FY 2026 SNF VBP Program Fact Sheet (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/value-based-purchasing (also updated with FY 2026 information) SNF VBP Program: FY 2026 Incentive Payment Multiplier Calculation Infographic (PDF). From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/value-based-purchasing/scoring-methodology-payment-adjustment

SNF VBP QMs: What’s Coming Online to Impact Payment—and What’s Proposed

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) does not propose any new quality measures (QMs) for the pay-for-performance Skilled Nursing Value-Based Purchasing program (SNF VBP) in the Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) and Consolidated Billing Proposed Rule for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. However, three QMs …

Follow-Up Answers to Q&A from Beneficiary Notices Jan. 30, 2025, AAPACN Webinar

In this podcast, Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, address some of the questions that were asked during the AAPACN Webinar, “SNF ABN, NOMNC, DENC – What Has Changed for this …

Compliance in Diagnosis Selection for Skilled Rehabilitation

For skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), diagnosis selection and accurate ICD-10-CM coding are essential for both quality resident care and compliance with regulations. For therapists providing skilled rehabilitation services, the ability to choose the correct diagnosis code is not only crucial for resident outcomes but also ensures proper reimbursement and avoids …

A New Method for Auditing PDPM

In this podcast, 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 with AAPACN, discuss a new method for auditing the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM).  Additional Resource:PDPM Audit by MDS Section 

PDPM Overview for Supporting SNF Staff

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) in October 2019 for residents receiving Medicare Part A coverage in the skilled nursing facility (SNF). PDPM replaced the previous legacy payment model, the Resource Utilization Group (RUG-IV) system, still used by some state Medicaid agencies …

NOMNC and DENC: New Forms Must Be Used Starting Jan. 1, 2025; Different Start Date for DENC Only for Medicare Advantage

FFS & MA NOMNC/DENC What’s New 11/18/2024: New NOMNC and DENC for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage  The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved a revised Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC / CMS-10123) and Detailed Explanation of Non-Coverage (DENC / CMS-10124). Please note the updated NOMNC and DENC …

Residents on Part B Therapy? Provide Beneficiary Notices to Avoid a Financial Hit

Nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) who manage Medicare services typically are at least familiar enough with the beneficiary notice requirements that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) must meet under fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare Part A to monitor those processes. “However, NACs may not always be as aware that facilities also have a responsibility …