MDS Alert
F315 Survey Guidance Incorporates McGeer Criteria
"Indications to Treat a UTI Because many residents have chronic bacteriuria, the research-based literature suggests treating only symptomatic UTIs. Symptomatic UTIs are based on the following criteria:13 Residents without a catheter should have at least three of the following signs and symptoms: Fever (increase in temperature of >2 degrees F (1.1 degrees C) or rectal temperature >99.5 degrees F (37.5 degrees C) or single measurement of temperature >100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) );14 New or increased burning pain on urination, frequency or urgency; New flank or suprapubic pain or tenderness; Change in character of urine (e.g., new bloody urine, foul smell, or amount of sediment) or as reported by the laboratory (new pyuria or microscopic hematuria); and/or Worsening of mental or functional status (e.g., confusion, decreased appetite, unexplained falls, incontinence of recent onset, lethargy, decreased activity). 15 Residents with a catheter should have at least two of the following signs and symptoms: Fever or chills; New flank pain or suprapubic pain or tenderness; Change in character of urine (e.g., new bloody urine, foul smell, or amount of sediment) or as reported by the laboratory (new pyuria or microscopic hematuria); and/or Worsening of mental or functional status. Local findings such as obstruction, leakage, or mucosal trauma (hematuria) may also be present.16 13 McGeer, A., Campbell, B., Emori, T.G., Hierholzer, W.J., Jackson, M.M., Nicolle, L.E., et al. (1991). Definitions of Infections for Surveillance in Long Term Care Facilities. American Journal of Infection Control, 19(1), 1-7." Source: The above is printed verbatim from the State Operations Manual, Appendix PP (www.cms.gov/manuals/Downloads/som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf).
MDS Alert
- Medicare Part A:
CMS Targets Rehab Reimbursement
Check out the Oct. 1 Part A payment change. In the SNF PPS final rule, [...] - Medicare:
Wondering What Your RUG Revenues Will Be?
Follow these steps to find out. To project your revenues for FY 2012, "obtain a [...] - CMS Explains the Math for the $3.87 Billion SNF Part A Reduction for FY 2012
'Believe it or not, it could have been worse,' says SNF PPS expert. CMS noted [...] - Research:
Beware These Shortfalls in UTI Management
Study author shares concerns about research findings. Recent research results proved to be "troubling in [...] - MDS 3.0 Coding:
Keep an Eye on UTI in Section I
Get advice on coding this condition on the MDS and doing quality assurance. When an [...] - Clinical practice:
Fine-Tune Your SNF's UTI Assessment, Treatment & Prevention
These strategies can halt a resident's recurrent UTIs. As a first step toward avoiding unnecessary [...] - F315 Survey Guidance Incorporates McGeer Criteria
"Indications to Treat a UTI Because many residents have chronic bacteriuria, the research-based literature suggests [...] - Risk Management:
HEAT Training Session Offers Pointers for Self-Disclosing Payment Issues
The OIG has some advice for you on this compliance topic. Heads up: The "OIG [...] - Quality of Care:
When a Pressure Ulcer Doesn't Seem to Be Healing, Look for These Key Reasons
Know what to consider if you see this when wound bed slough clears, advises expert. [...] - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Memorandum
"Transition for Implementation of FY 2012 SNF PPS Policies Change of Therapy (COT) Other Medicare [...] - Medication Safety:
Are Your Residents Taking Any of These Drug Combos?
Expert warns about drug-drug interactions that can cause negative outcomes. Suppose a patient develops bradycardia [...] - MDS, Research & Payment News
Don't miss the July 13 RAI manual update. On its MDS 3.0 website, CMS notes [...]
