PEPPER’s pause doesn’t wipe out prospects for nursing home self-monitoring
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 06, 2024
Federal regulators have suspended a key tool used by some nursing homes for internal auditing, but experts cautioned providers not to let the stoppage hinder their compliance efforts.
Expanded coverage for caregiver training in final physician fee schedule cheered
By
Kimberly Marselas
Nov 15, 2023
Provider groups and therapists are hailing a new and broader-than-expected opportunity to bill for caregiver training under codes finalized in the 2024 physician fee schedule.
Staying the course: Lessons from ponies for upcoming Medicare changes
By
Renee Kinder
Aug 31, 2023
There’s a certain kind of magic when watching eq competitions, especially when it involves someone dear to you. Over the weekend, our daughter, Emmy Grace, took part in her first hunter jumper 2-foot...
Preventing backward disequilibrium and the benefits of physical therapy
By
Renee Kinder
Aug 17, 2023
As the crisp autumn air will soon announce that the season of fall is upon us, there’s a more pressing concern for the elderly population: preventing the metaphorical “fall” of backward...
Skilled nursing’s best-read columns and blogs of 2023
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 20, 2023
The rich mix of insights offered at mcknights.com is always a highlight of the year, and 2023 was certainly no exception.
Occupational therapy and sleep, the missing ADL
By
Renee Kinder
Aug 03, 2023
The sleepover hangover is a telltale sign of summer in our home. Teenagers up and out way too late with friends, hopefully staying out of trouble and then crashing until 2 p.m. the next day. Little ones...
The job we get to do: A glimpse into the world of skilled nursing therapists
By
Renee Kinder
Oct 12, 2023
In meetings recently I heard perspective from a colleague about the “job we get to do” as rehab professionals who are entrusted with caring for our patients — who are not just patients. They...
More training, advocacy needed as Medicare denials continue — 10 years after Jimmo case
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 29, 2023
Ten years after a landmark court case determined patients do not need to regain function to maintain access to skilled nursing care and therapy services, advocates warn that elderly patients and those...
Caregiver training CPT codes finalized for CY 2024
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 09, 2023
In July we were pleased to share that the CY 2024 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule held exciting news for therapists and caregivers. These have now officially been finalized for use beginning...
Jimmo v. Sebelius, 10 years later
By
Renee Kinder
Sep 14, 2023
In 2013, the Center for Medicare Advocacy and Vermont Legal Aid, along with additional counsel provided by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, settled a lawsuit with the Medicare program (the named defendant,...