[Editor’s Note: A previous version of the story incorrectly said that the conference call will be Aug. 4. The date is Aug. 24. (The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services originally had scheduled it for Aug. 4 and changed it.) Also, another call is scheduled for Sept. 1.]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Aug. 24 will host a conference call on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Resource Utilization Group-Version 4 (RUG-IV).

The call will review payment issues, including the transition from RUG-III to RUG-IV. Presenters also will discuss the additional changes needed to install a hybrid RUG-III grouper (HR-III), an interim measure that CMS called for in May of this year. (McKnight’s, 5/26/10) CMS’s plans to use a hybrid RUG-III grouper may change if the Senate passes a bill that would implement RUG-IV on Oct. 1. The House passed the same bill earlier this week.

CMS will provide a power point presentation, available on the CMS website before the conference call, so callers can follow along with the presentation. The call will take place from 1:30pm – 3:00pm EDT. There will be a question-and-answer session after the presentation. For more information, including details about registering and presenter information, click here.