MDS Alert
ICD-10:
Nail Down Your Understanding of ‘With’ to Boost Coding Success
Hint: Don't depend on the alphabetic index when searching for ‘with.' The ICD-10-CM co... Read more
Nail Down Your Understanding of ‘With’ to Boost Coding Success
Hint: Don't depend on the alphabetic index when searching for ‘with.' The ICD-10-CM co... Read more
News You Can Use:
Should Your Facility Invest in Gaming?
Get a glimpse of a near future where resident activities turn virtual. People of all ages... Read more
Should Your Facility Invest in Gaming?
Get a glimpse of a near future where resident activities turn virtual. People of all ages... Read more
Industry Updates:
CMS Announces Changes to SFF Program
Beware of more, expanded enforcement actions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Ser... Read more
CMS Announces Changes to SFF Program
Beware of more, expanded enforcement actions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Ser... Read more
Emergency Preparedness:
Brush Up on Your PHI Know-How
Protecting resident's medical information is part of mitigating an emergency. With incr... Read more
Brush Up on Your PHI Know-How
Protecting resident's medical information is part of mitigating an emergency. With incr... Read more
Reader Question:
Try to Honor Resident’s Diet Wishes
Question: One of our residents has dysphagia and receives swallowing therapy. He has ... Read more
Try to Honor Resident’s Diet Wishes
Question: One of our residents has dysphagia and receives swallowing therapy. He has ... Read more
Reader Question:
Understand ‘Self-Limiting’ to Navigate SCSA
Question: A colleague says that if a resident develops a condition that is “self-li... Read more
Understand ‘Self-Limiting’ to Navigate SCSA
Question: A colleague says that if a resident develops a condition that is “self-li... Read more
Reader Question:
Abide by Appendix PP Updates
Question:When do surveyors start using the updated Appendix PP of the State Operations Man... Read more
Abide by Appendix PP Updates
Question:When do surveyors start using the updated Appendix PP of the State Operations Man... Read more
Quality Measures:
How Much Do You Know About Quality Measures?
Hint: Vaccine status is evaluated, and not just for COVID. The phrase “Quality Measures... Read more
How Much Do You Know About Quality Measures?
Hint: Vaccine status is evaluated, and not just for COVID. The phrase “Quality Measures... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Explore New Code Choices for These Cardiac and Circulatory Conditions
Look for lots of new options for coding aortic aneurysms. Remember, new ICD-10-CM codes g... Read more
Explore New Code Choices for These Cardiac and Circulatory Conditions
Look for lots of new options for coding aortic aneurysms. Remember, new ICD-10-CM codes g... Read more
Best Practices:
Don’t Be Afraid to Query a Doctor
Find out why and how clarification can matter. A resident's medical record is a legal doc... Read more
Don’t Be Afraid to Query a Doctor
Find out why and how clarification can matter. A resident's medical record is a legal doc... Read more
Knowledge Check:
Find Out How You Fared With Your Quality Measure Knowledge
Hint: CMS wants to know that residents are safe and doing well. Check your answers here. ... Read more
Find Out How You Fared With Your Quality Measure Knowledge
Hint: CMS wants to know that residents are safe and doing well. Check your answers here. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Run This Report to Confirm Your MDS Submissions
Question: I've recently accepted a job as an MDS coordinator. Is there any way to make sur... Read more
Run This Report to Confirm Your MDS Submissions
Question: I've recently accepted a job as an MDS coordinator. Is there any way to make sur... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get the Skinny on C. diff Isolation
Question: What's the protocol for a resident who is experiencing symptoms of C. diff? Can ... Read more
Get the Skinny on C. diff Isolation
Question: What's the protocol for a resident who is experiencing symptoms of C. diff? Can ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep the 4 Parts of Medicare Straight
Question: We are putting together training materials for new staff members who work more ... Read more
Keep the 4 Parts of Medicare Straight
Question: We are putting together training materials for new staff members who work more ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Take These Important CMS Updates Into Account
Catch up on what you need to know about timing adjustments for proposed regulation and Med... Read more
Take These Important CMS Updates Into Account
Catch up on what you need to know about timing adjustments for proposed regulation and Med... Read more
ICD-10-CM:
Learn These Dementia Diagnosis Code Changes
Hint: You'll have new options for reporting severity and agitation. The ICD-10-CM codes g... Read more
Learn These Dementia Diagnosis Code Changes
Hint: You'll have new options for reporting severity and agitation. The ICD-10-CM codes g... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Clarification on IPC Training Programs
Question: Are there minimum training areas for complying with infection prevention an... Read more
Find Clarification on IPC Training Programs
Question: Are there minimum training areas for complying with infection prevention an... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include HIPAA Training in Staff Onboarding
Question: We occasionally hire temporary workers and other nonpermanent employees at ... Read more
Include HIPAA Training in Staff Onboarding
Question: We occasionally hire temporary workers and other nonpermanent employees at ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Ensure Proper Disposal of Resident PHI
Question: What's the best or safest way to purge prior residents' medical records? G... Read more
Ensure Proper Disposal of Resident PHI
Question: What's the best or safest way to purge prior residents' medical records? G... Read more
Emergency Preparedness:
Be Ready to Deploy Psychological First Aid
Focus on connection, first and foremost. Survivors of a gun violence incident will need i... Read more
Be Ready to Deploy Psychological First Aid
Focus on connection, first and foremost. Survivors of a gun violence incident will need i... Read more
Coding Deep Dive:
Bolster Your Osteoarthritis Coding
Rely on anatomical knowledge, as well as an understanding of OA, for success. Osteoarthr... Read more
Bolster Your Osteoarthritis Coding
Rely on anatomical knowledge, as well as an understanding of OA, for success. Osteoarthr... Read more
Cybersecurity:
Don’t Get Lax on IT Security
Aggrieved workers constitute a real threat for organizations. As if the long-term care in... Read more
Don’t Get Lax on IT Security
Aggrieved workers constitute a real threat for organizations. As if the long-term care in... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Can You Navigate Myocardial Infarction Coding?
You need three pieces of knowledge to select an accurate code for an MI. When reporting a... Read more
Can You Navigate Myocardial Infarction Coding?
You need three pieces of knowledge to select an accurate code for an MI. When reporting a... Read more
Reader Questions:
A Physician Doesn’t Have to Diagnose a Pressure Injury in This Situation
Question: So much of what I've read about ICD-10 coding suggests that everything is ... Read more
A Physician Doesn’t Have to Diagnose a Pressure Injury in This Situation
Question: So much of what I've read about ICD-10 coding suggests that everything is ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Note Preferred Flu Vaccines for 2022-23 Flu Season
Question: Why did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend spec... Read more
Note Preferred Flu Vaccines for 2022-23 Flu Season
Question: Why did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend spec... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Count Medication Switch as a Dose Reduction
Question: One of our residents is switching from one antipsychotic medication to ano... Read more
Don’t Count Medication Switch as a Dose Reduction
Question: One of our residents is switching from one antipsychotic medication to ano... Read more
Emergency Preparedness:
Designate Certain Roles In Case Gun Violence Touches Your Facility
Train employees on what to do in the immediate and lasting aftermath. If your facility ev... Read more
Designate Certain Roles In Case Gun Violence Touches Your Facility
Train employees on what to do in the immediate and lasting aftermath. If your facility ev... Read more
Staffing:
Consider This Recent Court Ruling When Hiring
Hint: Put policies in place before you ‘need' them. According to a recent survey releas... Read more
Consider This Recent Court Ruling When Hiring
Hint: Put policies in place before you ‘need' them. According to a recent survey releas... Read more
ICD-10 Coding:
Be Prepared to Code Falls Before Autumn Hits
Remember: Updated ICD-10 codes go into effect annually Oct. 1. The World Health Organiza... Read more
Be Prepared to Code Falls Before Autumn Hits
Remember: Updated ICD-10 codes go into effect annually Oct. 1. The World Health Organiza... Read more
COVID-19:
DNS Pleads Guilty to Forging Vaccination Cards
The DNS may face 5 years in federal prison for the offense. The feds continue to pursue C... Read more
DNS Pleads Guilty to Forging Vaccination Cards
The DNS may face 5 years in federal prison for the offense. The feds continue to pursue C... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Count Teeth as Bones After Fall
Question: If a resident falls and breaks a tooth, does that count as a fracture when ... Read more
Don’t Count Teeth as Bones After Fall
Question: If a resident falls and breaks a tooth, does that count as a fracture when ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Death is ‘in Facility’ Unless Resident Formally Discharged
Question: If a resident dies while being transported to the hospital, does the death ... Read more
Death is ‘in Facility’ Unless Resident Formally Discharged
Question: If a resident dies while being transported to the hospital, does the death ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to This Z-Code for Post-Amputation Stays
Question: What's the best ICD-10-CM code to describe a resident who's admitted after ... Read more
Look to This Z-Code for Post-Amputation Stays
Question: What's the best ICD-10-CM code to describe a resident who's admitted after ... Read more
Emergency Preparedness:
Include Active Shooter Scenarios in Your Emergency Preparedness
‘Shelter in place' plans may be a crucial tool. Gun violence happens in many places in... Read more
Include Active Shooter Scenarios in Your Emergency Preparedness
‘Shelter in place' plans may be a crucial tool. Gun violence happens in many places in... Read more
Assessments:
Check These Boxes for Comprehensive Assessments
Follow these tips for comprehensive assessment basics. Assessments' timelines are carefu... Read more
Check These Boxes for Comprehensive Assessments
Follow these tips for comprehensive assessment basics. Assessments' timelines are carefu... Read more
Covid-19 :
Focus on Vaccination Education, Too, to Remain Compliant
Some nursing homes have reached a 100% vaccination rate for staff. Many experts say that ... Read more
Focus on Vaccination Education, Too, to Remain Compliant
Some nursing homes have reached a 100% vaccination rate for staff. Many experts say that ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Explore Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis Codes
Question: What is the diagnosis code for a patient with muscular dystrophy? Alabama ... Read more
Explore Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis Codes
Question: What is the diagnosis code for a patient with muscular dystrophy? Alabama ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware Phishing Attempts
Question: The organization I work for takes the Health Insurance Portability and Acco... Read more
Beware Phishing Attempts
Question: The organization I work for takes the Health Insurance Portability and Acco... Read more
Reader Questions:
Remember ‘100’ When Defining Short Stay
Question: What's the cutoff for a resident's time in a facility being considered a sh... Read more
Remember ‘100’ When Defining Short Stay
Question: What's the cutoff for a resident's time in a facility being considered a sh... Read more
Reader Questions:
Follow ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Sepsis Versus Septicemia
Question: I coded MDS item I1200 for a resident as septicemia, but a colleague said t... Read more
Follow ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Sepsis Versus Septicemia
Question: I coded MDS item I1200 for a resident as septicemia, but a colleague said t... Read more
COVID-19:
The Virus is Still Around, but These COVID Waivers are Ending
Expect more surveyors to come knocking — and know what they're looking for. A slew of b... Read more
The Virus is Still Around, but These COVID Waivers are Ending
Expect more surveyors to come knocking — and know what they're looking for. A slew of b... Read more
Proposed Rule:
Apparently, CMS found PDPM more expensive than anticipated.
Apparently, CMS found PDPM more expensive than anticipated. The Centers for Medicare &... Read more
Apparently, CMS found PDPM more expensive than anticipated.
Apparently, CMS found PDPM more expensive than anticipated. The Centers for Medicare &... Read more
ICD-10-CM Coding:
Understand Coding These Movement Disorders
Hint: Aim for specificity in diagnoses to avoid, in some cases, ‘Return to Provider.' R... Read more
Understand Coding These Movement Disorders
Hint: Aim for specificity in diagnoses to avoid, in some cases, ‘Return to Provider.' R... Read more
Reader Questions:
Clarify Resident Mobility With This Tactic
Question: A certified nurse aide (CNA) documented that a resident can sit up in bed b... Read more
Clarify Resident Mobility With This Tactic
Question: A certified nurse aide (CNA) documented that a resident can sit up in bed b... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Clinical Difference in States of Consciousness
Question: What's the clinical difference between comatose and persistent vegetative s... Read more
Understand Clinical Difference in States of Consciousness
Question: What's the clinical difference between comatose and persistent vegetative s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don’t Count Standard Admission Orders as Physician Orders
Question: We have a temp MDS nurse helping with assessments, and she says that other ... Read more
Don’t Count Standard Admission Orders as Physician Orders
Question: We have a temp MDS nurse helping with assessments, and she says that other ... Read more
Best Practices:
Nail Down Medication Error Rate Dos and Don’ts
Check these seven categories for accurate drug administration. Dispensing medication is ... Read more
Nail Down Medication Error Rate Dos and Don’ts
Check these seven categories for accurate drug administration. Dispensing medication is ... Read more
Staffing:
Add These Three Conflict Resolution Skills to Your Workplace Toolbox
Hint: Aim for a mix of empathy and lack of judgment. Avoiding conflict may be your go-to... Read more
Add These Three Conflict Resolution Skills to Your Workplace Toolbox
Hint: Aim for a mix of empathy and lack of judgment. Avoiding conflict may be your go-to... Read more
ICD-10 Deep Dive:
Know How to Choose the Right Code for Tachycardia
Simplify coding this complex condition with this advice. Heart problems are common for m... Read more
Know How to Choose the Right Code for Tachycardia
Simplify coding this complex condition with this advice. Heart problems are common for m... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand These Types of Therapy
Question: What's the difference between individual therapy and concurrent therapy? Ar... Read more
Understand These Types of Therapy
Question: What's the difference between individual therapy and concurrent therapy? Ar... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware Hazards in Wi-Fi ‘Dead Zones’
Question: The IT company that serves our organization has built a Wi-Fi network that ... Read more
Beware Hazards in Wi-Fi ‘Dead Zones’
Question: The IT company that serves our organization has built a Wi-Fi network that ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Pocket This Acronym and Definition List
Question: I am new to MDS and am overwhelmed by the constant use of acronyms. Can you prov... Read more
Pocket This Acronym and Definition List
Question: I am new to MDS and am overwhelmed by the constant use of acronyms. Can you prov... Read more
CMS:
Don’t Miss These NH-Relevant CMS Updates
Stay on top of what CMS has up its sleeves for nursing homes. From COVID-19-relevant inf... Read more
Don’t Miss These NH-Relevant CMS Updates
Stay on top of what CMS has up its sleeves for nursing homes. From COVID-19-relevant inf... Read more
Rehabilitation:
Know These Ins and Outs of Therapy Service Documentation
Hint: Medicare Part A has different requirements than Medicare Part B. Rehabilitation an... Read more
Know These Ins and Outs of Therapy Service Documentation
Hint: Medicare Part A has different requirements than Medicare Part B. Rehabilitation an... Read more
Best Practices:
Performing Rights Organizations Unsympathetic to Nursing Home Unlicensed Music Use
Make sure your facility purchases licensing options if playing music in a ‘public' space... Read more
Performing Rights Organizations Unsympathetic to Nursing Home Unlicensed Music Use
Make sure your facility purchases licensing options if playing music in a ‘public' space... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Differences in Bowel Movement Issues
Question: I don't understand when to code that a resident has constipation versus fec... Read more
Understand Differences in Bowel Movement Issues
Question: I don't understand when to code that a resident has constipation versus fec... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use These Strategies to Evaluate Long-Term Memory
Question: How do I evaluate a resident's long-term memory when I don't know the resid... Read more
Use These Strategies to Evaluate Long-Term Memory
Question: How do I evaluate a resident's long-term memory when I don't know the resid... Read more
Reader Questions:
Work as a Team? Don’t Bill Individually
Question: A new physical therapy colleague says he can bill the services he provides ... Read more
Work as a Team? Don’t Bill Individually
Question: A new physical therapy colleague says he can bill the services he provides ... Read more
Covid-19:
If You Have Whiplash from Vaccine Mandate News, You’re Not Alone
Organizations based in Texas now have their own specific guidance. While many large comp... Read more
If You Have Whiplash from Vaccine Mandate News, You’re Not Alone
Organizations based in Texas now have their own specific guidance. While many large comp... Read more
Surveys and Compliance:
Evaluate Your Bed Rails — Stat
Don't fail to complete this basic checkup; doing so could have dire consequences. With lo... Read more
Evaluate Your Bed Rails — Stat
Don't fail to complete this basic checkup; doing so could have dire consequences. With lo... Read more
Staffing:
Want Less COVID-19 In Your Facility? Some Organizations Found an Answer
This staffing trick may surprise you, but studies suggest the positive effects are real. ... Read more
Want Less COVID-19 In Your Facility? Some Organizations Found an Answer
This staffing trick may surprise you, but studies suggest the positive effects are real. ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Medicare/Medicaid Reqs on Hospice and MDS
Question: Do residents who enter a nursing home to receive their hospice benefits nee... Read more
Look to Medicare/Medicaid Reqs on Hospice and MDS
Question: Do residents who enter a nursing home to receive their hospice benefits nee... Read more
Reader Questions:
What Does ‘Organic’ Mean in the RAI Manual
Question: I was looking at MDS item A1550 (Conditions Related to Intellectual Disabil... Read more
What Does ‘Organic’ Mean in the RAI Manual
Question: I was looking at MDS item A1550 (Conditions Related to Intellectual Disabil... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stay on Top of Weight Status
Question: A resident who has been in our facility has had a lot of fluctuation in wei... Read more
Stay on Top of Weight Status
Question: A resident who has been in our facility has had a lot of fluctuation in wei... Read more
COVID-19:
Another Surge Approaches, but Vaccine Mandates Waiver
Make sure your organization stays on legal footing with vaccination mandates. Nursing hom... Read more
Another Surge Approaches, but Vaccine Mandates Waiver
Make sure your organization stays on legal footing with vaccination mandates. Nursing hom... Read more
Follow Medicare Vaccination Rule First
Regardless of your state, CMS says its rules apply. Understandably, you may be confused a... Read more
Regardless of your state, CMS says its rules apply. Understandably, you may be confused a... Read more
Coding:
Resist Temptation to Refill Coffers Through Queries
Hint: Querying should not be used to massage a diagnosis code. Portraying a resident's ... Read more
Resist Temptation to Refill Coffers Through Queries
Hint: Querying should not be used to massage a diagnosis code. Portraying a resident's ... Read more
Federal Updates:
Worried about CMPs? Know What’s Coming
SNFs need to be extra careful about penalized noncompliance. The Centers for Medicare &am... Read more
Worried about CMPs? Know What’s Coming
SNFs need to be extra careful about penalized noncompliance. The Centers for Medicare &am... Read more
Reader Questions:
Include These Crucial Items in Resident Discharge Instructions
Question: What instructions are important to include for residents who are discharged to t... Read more
Include These Crucial Items in Resident Discharge Instructions
Question: What instructions are important to include for residents who are discharged to t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Define HIPPS to Understand Medicare Part A Nitty-Gritty
Question: What does HIPPS stand for? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: HIPPS refers to the â€... Read more
Define HIPPS to Understand Medicare Part A Nitty-Gritty
Question: What does HIPPS stand for? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: HIPPS refers to the â€... Read more
Reader Questions:
Understand Exactly How the MDS is Used
Question: I'm new to the minimum data set (MDS) and am wondering just how important of a d... Read more
Understand Exactly How the MDS is Used
Question: I'm new to the minimum data set (MDS) and am wondering just how important of a d... Read more