|
|
|
by Tim Gieseke MD, CMD
At CALTCM, we have developed an INTERACT implementation strategy to help facilities successfully embed this performance improvement project into their facilities care processes. We have tested this strategy over the last year through a grant from the California HealthCare Foundation and are continuing to develop this project in partnership with several corporate SNF chains in our state. The key issue for facilities implementing this project is how to efficiently make the INTERACT Tools readily available to their CNAs, Licensed nurses, physicians and NP/PAs.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
by Jay Luxenberg, MD
This week’s Academy Awards will be most memorable for the flub initially awarding best picture to the wrong movie. For me, however, it will be memorable for a brief mention during the acceptance speech by Kenneth Longeran for best original screenplay for his wonderful movie "Manchester by the Sea". Ken thanked his father, who he mentioned had died this year. That’s how I learned of the death of my friend, Ken’s father, Edmund T. “Ted” Longergan, M.D. Ted played a pivotal role as one of our field’s pioneer academic geriatricians. |
|
Read more...
|
|
CMS Recognizes the Value of Non-Face-to-Face Time as of 2017 |
|
by Timothy Gieseke, MD, CMD
CPT Codes have existed since 2007 that have encouraged documentation of non-face to face (FTF) time for the first hour beyond the usual expected time of the visit (99358). In practice this means 31 minutes or more, based on CPT guidance. There is also a subsequent code (99359) for every 30 minutes (really 16 minutes or more) beyond the first hour thereafter. However, a payment hasn’t previously been approved for these codes. As of January 1, 2017, a payment has been assigned to these codes. This means that the non-FTF time spent reviewing incoming records, the hospital EHR, and the time spent contacting clinical information sources for important information, are potentially billable. This code applies to a new patient encounter or an established hospitalized patient returning to the office, home, or SNF setting. The non-FTF services can occur before, same day, or after the day of FTF E/M assessment. However, the non-FTF services must occur all on the same day and should be billed separately with a statement of what was done and the time of each of these services, that are then attested, signed and dated by the clinician.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
CMS Mega Rule: Pharmacy Recommendations |
|
by Flora Bessey, Pharm.D., CGP
As we continue to strive to assist our facilities in implementing the Mega Rule, it is helpful to break down this often-intimidating set of regulations in steps. As a consultant pharmacist, I will deal with the role of the pharmacy and consultants.
As has been mentioned, Phase 1 went "live" on November 28th, 2016. The success and pace of implementation has been mixed, but there are now certain "best-practices" that can be followed, or adjusted as needed to fit each facility's unique situation.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
Suggestions for First Time Participants in the Poster Presentations |
|
by Mary Ellen Dellefield, PhD, RN
1. Be brave! Although some participants know all about making scientific or clinical posters, please do not be intimidated by this. There is a first time for everyone! The guidelines for the CALTCM poster presentations are on the CALTCM website.
2. Be practical and be brief. Write no more than 250 words excluding the title, names, and affiliations. Writing something that is short may be harder than you realize! The submission deadline has been extended to Friday February 10, 2017. This is coming up quickly. Once your poster is accepted, you will have until April 28, 2017 to conduct your work and make a poster. Click here for details.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|
<< first < Prev 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Next > last >>
|
|
Page 25 of 78 |
