As the warmth of spring unfolds, it brings with it a renewal of energy and vitality. Spring symbolizes growth, rejuvenation and transformation. Growing in my backyard, in the midst of pebbles, three beautiful...
Patient and family engagement — understanding CoreQ
By
Renee Kinder
Apr 14, 2022
On April 11, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule that would update Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities under the Skilled Nursing Facility...
What therapy teams should know about proposed changes to the SNF quality reporting program
By
Renee Kinder
Apr 13, 2023
The time is here. The time is now for us all understand the upcoming shifts to the skilled nursing facility quality reporting program (SNF QRP). This is not simply a program for one department to understand....
Brushing away the risk: The crucial role of daily toothbrushing in preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia
By
Renee Kinder
Jan 18, 2024
A phenomenon that skilled nursing teams have long appreciated was recently highlighted in a recent article published in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers Ehrenzeller and Klompas shed light on a critical...
Evaluating extensive versus moderate assist
By
Renee Kinder
Aug 17, 2015
Step one for improving accuracy for Section G ADL coding is to improve understanding between the language MDS uses to define levels of function and impairment in comparison to how rehab teams and nursing...
Honoring dietary choices
By
Renee Kinder
Feb 17, 2016
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to navigating difficult decisions related to PO diet intake.
The skilled eye of a speech pathologist
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 16, 2015
The Medicare Benefit Policy Manual provides guidance for rehabilitation professionals on criteria for reasonable and necessary skilled services which include: Following Evidenced Based Practice Patterns:...
Thinking beyond the swallow
By
Renee Kinder
Jul 15, 2015
Meal times are well-defined, often highly structured and supervised intervals during the day in many skilled nursing facilities.
Progress notes and rules for success
By
Renee Kinder
Jan 19, 2023
I was recently notified of a recognition that I would be receiving from my alma mater, the University of Kentucky. The congrats email was soon followed by a slew of others on setting a date, the process...
PEPPER Report: Target areas for rehab
By
Renee Kinder
May 26, 2022
It’s been a little over a month since the Q4FY21 release of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER). Have you downloaded your reports yet?...