lwconsulting

Understanding PDPM and the NTA Component

As we prepare for the transition to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), which is expected to occur on October 1, 2019, we have been reviewing the primary components that make up the Case Mix Index (CMI) for reimbursement. Previous articles in this series outlined the physical and occupational therapy component and the speech language pathology component. In this article, we discuss the non-therapy ancillary (NTA) component. The NTA component, together with the nursing and non-case mix…

MDS Accuracy: Importance of a Timely and Complete BIMS

In this Minimum Data Set (MDS) Accuracy Blog, we will highlight Sections and items in the MDS to review key misses that the experts at LW Consulting, Inc. (LWCI) have encountered. At LWCI, we thrive in partnering with clients to complete audits or provide consultative services to support concerns. As the experts at LWCI conduct audits, we identify commonalities with coding. Throughout this blog we will be sharing information on optimal MDS coding, based on…

Prior Level of Function: Reconsiderations in Today’s Healthcare Arena

When physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), or speech therapists (ST) evaluate a patient in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), they document the patient’s prior level of function (PLOF). The status and timeframe to describe PLOF can vary from therapist to therapist. However, usual and customary is the patient’s level of function just prior to the last qualifying hospital stay that supports the SNF admission. Considerations Regarding Prior Level of Function Typically, Medicare and other…