Topics: Length of Stay, Medicare Reimbursement, Medicare Length of Stay
There are numerous ways to increase your Medicare Part A Revenue Medicare Part A Rate. Here are a few suggestions for increasing your facility's Medicare Part A Revenue:
Topics: Medicare Part A, ADL, Length of Stay, Medicare Reimbursement
Positioning and Seating
Poor sitting posture is a common problem in long-term care and has an effect on function and performance of ADL skills. The resident's ability to function in their environment is improved through good body alignment. The primary goals of a positioning program includes improving body alignment, preventing or mitigating of the effects of pressure on existing pressure ulcers and improvement in ADL participation. It is as important for caregivers to understand the unique situation of the identified patient at risk and document using and ADL flow sheet. For example, one patient may tolerate sitting for 2 hours without skin compromise while another should be limited to 45 minutes out of bed.
There are many factors to take into consideration when addressing positioning needs:
Is there abnormal tone contributing to poor posture and can it be normalized through treatment?
Is there muscle weakness contributing to poor posture and body alignment and can it be improved through treatment?
Can the patient get stronger?
Are there contractures contributing to positioning problems?
Can the contractures be reduced?
Is there any skin breakdown?
Is there adequate support of the extremities in the current seating system?
Does the patient have pain?
Does the patient have circulatory compromise?
Does the patient's position in the seating system vary throughout the course of the day or during specific tasks?
Evaluation and treatment of the above concerns are areas of specialty for a therapist versus the nurse or CNA. This intervention meets the skilled criteria by definition and qualifies for coverage regardless of the patient's ability to demonstrate functional improvement.
Topics: Medicare Part A, ADL Coding, Medicare Reimbursement
Therapy Screening: It is extremely valuable to ensure that all admissions (including-admission) at minimum receive a therapy screen. This includes patients with a plan for long-term care placement may benefit from such therapy intervention. The need for long-term care placement most likely is the result of functional decline. Therapy intervention assists in establishing a true baseline from which improvement or decline may be measured.
Topics: Medicare Entitlement, CMS, Medicare Reimbursement, Therapy Caps, Medicare Eligibility
