lwconsulting

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…

F-Tags in Review: F757 and F758 Freedom from Unnecessary Drugs and Psychotropic Medications

F-Tag 757, freedom from unnecessary drugs, and F-Tag 758, freedom from unnecessary psychotropic medications, are closely affiliated and are often cited together during a survey. Regulation 758 defines a psychotropic medication as one that affects the brain with mental processes and behaviors. These medications fall into one of 4 categories: Use of anti-psychotic medications requires participation from multiple levels of staff and consultants before the administration can begin. Decision makers include, but are not limited to: …