The Part A Provider Outreach and Education department is hosting a teleconference on SNF RUG Codes. We will discuss important Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) updates, SNF Resource Utilization Group (RUG) Codes, SNF RUG Code Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) and Medical Review (MR) Errors, the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Program and Self Service Options. The handout material is now available.
Monday, May 30, 2011
50 Fascinating Aging Facts for Older Americans Month
Thanks to Kelly for this great e-mail!
Aging is an inevitable part of living, and can be fascinating for people of any age. Lives change, minds and bodies change, and time goes on. Here we will take a look at 50 interesting facts about aging in honor of Older Americans Month.
Population
Aging Americans are an important part of the population-learn about their impact here.
1. The over 65 population should reach 86.7 million: Estimates put the 65+ population at 86.7 by 2050.
2. Life expectancy is increasing at a faster rate: Between 1900 and 1960, life expectancy increased by 2.4 years, but since 1960, it has increased by 3.5 years.
3. The older population is nearly 40 million strong: In 2009, there were 39.6 million people aged 65 and older.
4. Minorities make up almost half of the older population: 42% of people 65 and older in the US are part of minority groups.
7. The elderly are the fastest growing age group: The US Census Bureau indicates that individuals 85 and up are the fastest growing age group by percentage.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Medicare Benefit Policy Manual
Medicare Benefit Policy Manual; See Section 80.4: http://www.cms.gov/manuals/Downloads/bp102c15.pdf
Monday, May 23, 2011
Joint Replacements for Baby Boomers
Interesting article in today's Huffington Post: Joint Replacements for Baby Boomers
Pennsylvania Health Law Project website
Valuable resource. Visit the Pennsylvania Health Law Project website: Resources & Publications: Long-Term Care
PA Claim Submission Errors Teleconference: Wed., May 25 at 10 a.m. EST
Teleconference discussing the top ten (10) claim submission errors (and their resolutions) in Pennsylvania. Teleconference will be held on Wed., May 25 @ 10 a.m. EST. No pre-registration required. To participate, dial 1-888-276-8689 and enter the participant code 454822 when prompted.
Excluding Certain HCPCS Billing Codes from Skilled Nursing Facility Consolidated Billing
It has come to the attention of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that several new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) billing codes created for January 2011 should have been excluded from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) consolidated billing bundled payment and allowed to be paid separately.
Introduction to Medicare Part A
Really great resource & overview of the Medicare Part A system!
Medicare Part A Presents: Introduction to Medicare Part I
Medicare Part A Presents: Introduction To Medicare Part II
Medicare Part A Presents: Introduction to Medicare Part I
Medicare Part A Presents: Introduction To Medicare Part II
McKnight's: E-stim breakthrough: paralyzed patient able to take steps
Click here for a great article on the use of e-stim for paralysis patients.
Friday, May 13, 2011
CMS Proposed Methodologies for Setting 2012 Rates
Read more here. Looks like SNF's are either looking at a 1.5% increase in reimbursement rates or an 11.3% decrease to account for RUG IV's ineffectiveness in reducing Medicare spending.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Turnover in LTC
Great article on staffing! LTC turnover rate for CNA's is 71% and 49% for nurses! Read more here.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Over-prescribing Psychotropic Meds for Nursing Home Residents
A newly published report from the Office of the Inspector General found that one (1) in seven (7) nursing home residents is erroneously prescribed psychotropic medications. Read more here.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Using Twitter as a Marketing Tool
Great article on using Twitter as a marketing tool. Kind of like Twitter 101. Check out the article here.
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