A new LeadingAge CAST case study shows how skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) can use data to improve short-term and long-term patients’ health outcomes, lower hospitalizations, and identify and assist residents who need to make advance care planning decisions.
The FY 2022 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) rule was posted on the Federal Register public inspection site on April 8. The rule is scheduled to be published to the Federal Register on April 15. In addition to announcing a 1.3% payment update for FY 2022, the rule proposes updates related to the patient-drive payment model (PDPM), SNF consolidated billing, and the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and Value-Based Payment (VBP) program. Comments on the rule are due June 7.
To be eligible for an incentive payment, nursing homes “must have an active state certification as a nursing home or skilled nursing facility (SNF) and receive reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).” In addition, they will need to pass through both of the following “gateways”:
The performance-based incentive payments represent $2 billion of the $5 billion SNF Infection Control Distribution from the Provider Relief Funds.
HHS will measure nursing homes on two outcomes:
As the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way healthcare professionals operate, the Vocera Badge helped care team members at Hardin Memorial Health to communicate hands-free, without needing to remove personal protective equipment (PPE).
These letters notifying providers of noncompliance with QRP are distributed to SNFs in at least one of three possible ways: 1) through the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs); 2) placed in a provider’s CASPER folders in QIES; and/or a 3) Via U.S. Postal Service. Providers deemed noncompliant will see their Medicare Fee For Service rates reduced 2% beginning October 1, 2020.
Because older adults with existing health conditions are more susceptible to the effects of infectious diseases, the threat of an outbreak may cause heightened concern in senior housing communities. Fortunately, affordable housing providers can take the following simple steps to prepare for emergencies.
Contact: Lisa Sanders
lsanders@leadingage.org / 202-508-9407
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