Responding Properly to an ARD or RFA Error

Volume 1

With the MDS 3.0, an error made in ARD or RFA cannot be corrected but rather the assessment must be inactivated (rather than modified). CMS has stated that in such a case, the existing assessment may not be corrected and resubmitted but instead a new assessment must be completed. The new assessment must be conducted with a current ARD. The potential financial implications of this are great and include potential default payment or provider liability. If the new assessment does not comply with the schedule set forth in the RAI User’s Manual but the patient continues in a Part A stay, the provider must bill default for the days that the assessment is out of compliance. If the patient had already been discharged from Medicare Part A, the assessment cannot be conducted and the provider is liable for all days associated the assessment.

A Guide to Appealing Denied Claims

A Guide to Appealing Denied Claims - Medicare Minute

Medicare Part A Benefits and The Challenging Patient

Goals for Challenging Patients - Medicare Minute

Coordinating Patient Care in a SNF

Coordinating Patient Care - Medicare Minute

COT Assessment through the Eyes of CMS

CMS COT - Medicare Minute

MDS Interviews - Medicare Minute

MDS Interviews - Medicare Minute

Mild Dementia Adaptations in SNFs

Treating patients with dementia is commonplace in the skilled nursing home setting.  Levels vary wildly and it is one of the most important factors in discharge planning.  Thankfully, there are many environmental adaptations and tools that can help the patient with mild dementia to be successful independently.  Something as simple as a checklist on a bathroom mirror to the more technologically advanced computerized pill dispenser complete with bells and whistles that will alert the patient when it’s time for their medications (I think some come with a mini laser light show).  Of course, the more complex your gadget the pricier it becomes and we have all heard from our patients the limitations of their income.   How have your helped your patients with mild dementia be successful at home?  Are there tricks and tools of the trade you have used routinely?  How do you support the patients’ needs given their budgetary restrictions?

CMS Provider Trainining Discusses MDS and RUG-IV Changes

CMS Provider Training Recommendations - Medicare Minute

Pain Management Intervention - Medicare Minute

Pain Management Intervention - Medicare Minute

Medicare Meeting (Beneficiary Review Meeting)- Medicare Minute

Medicare Meeting - Medicare Minute