Many skilled nursing providers noticed a drop in quality measure rating after the first care compare refresh in nearly ten months. With the first look on February 11, 2025, at four updated and unfrozen quality measures which were frozen last April to accommodate changes in rating methodology and to gather data for a new measure, Discharge Function Score, facilities may be unpleasantly surprised.
Let’s take a closer look at the four unfrozen measures:
The discharge function score of short-stay residents.
A new quality measure that replaced the percentage of residents who made improvements in function. New calculations are very complex however the biggest takeaway is to focus on functional outcomes. Therapist insight on completion of functional tasks over exercises will be paramount in meeting improved outcomes.
The percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with activities of daily living increased.
This measure reports the percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with late-loss Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) has increased when compared to the prior assessment. Late-Loss ADLs are no longer section G of the MDS related data such as bed mobility, transfers, toileting, and eating. New Late-Loss ADLs are generated from section GG of the MDS data which consists of Eating (GG0130A), Sit to Lying (GG01070B), Sit to Stand (GG0170D), and Toilet Transfer (GG0170F). An increase in help is defined as a decrease in two or more coding points in one late-loss ADL item or one point decrease in coding points in two or more late-loss ADL items.
The percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened.
This measure reports the percentage of long-stay residents who experienced a decline in the ability to walk independently during the target period. A decline is identified by a decrease of one or more points on the GG0170I Walk 10 feet item between the target assessment and prior assessment.
The percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers.
This measure reports the presence of pressure ulcers, stage 2-4 or unstageable of long-stay residents.
It is imperative to mention the changes in measure specifications concerning the scoring cut points for each of the four quality measures (QM). QM rating cut points were recalculated as of January 2025 in attempt to achieve an even distribution across scores.
It is essential for providers to thoroughly review and understand their performance on the new measures and develop a clear improvement plan. Polaris Group has the expertise and resources to help. Contact us with questions or concerns about the latest in Nurse Assessment Coordinator (NAC) News (Solution Center Information). Your question may be included
Feel free to reach out with questions or concerns regarding the latest in Nurse Assessment Coordinator (NAC) News (Solution Center Information). Your question may be presented in the next Ask Amanda column.
Ask Amanda A Question using this link!
Many skilled nursing providers noticed a drop in quality measure rating after the first care compare refresh in nearly ten months. With the first look on February 11, 2025, at four updated and unfrozen quality measures which were frozen last April to accommodate changes in rating methodology and to gather data for a new measure, Discharge Function Score, facilities may be unpleasantly surprised.
Let’s take a closer look at the four unfrozen measures:
The discharge function score of short-stay residents.
A new quality measure that replaced the percentage of residents who made improvements in function. New calculations are very complex however the biggest takeaway is to focus on functional outcomes. Therapist insight on completion of functional tasks over exercises will be paramount in meeting improved outcomes.
The percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with activities of daily living increased.
This measure reports the percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with late-loss Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) has increased when compared to the prior assessment. Late-Loss ADLs are no longer section G of the MDS related data such as bed mobility, transfers, toileting, and eating. New Late-Loss ADLs are generated from section GG of the MDS data which consists of Eating (GG0130A), Sit to Lying (GG01070B), Sit to Stand (GG0170D), and Toilet Transfer (GG0170F). An increase in help is defined as a decrease in two or more coding points in one late-loss ADL item or one point decrease in coding points in two or more late-loss ADL items.
The percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened.
This measure reports the percentage of long-stay residents who experienced a decline in the ability to walk independently during the target period. A decline is identified by a decrease of one or more points on the GG0170I Walk 10 feet item between the target assessment and prior assessment.
The percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers.
This measure reports the presence of pressure ulcers, stage 2-4 or unstageable of long-stay residents.
It is imperative to mention the changes in measure specifications concerning the scoring cut points for each of the four quality measures (QM). QM rating cut points were recalculated as of January 2025 in attempt to achieve an even distribution across scores.
It is essential for providers to thoroughly review and understand their performance on the new measures and develop a clear improvement plan. Polaris Group has the expertise and resources to help. Contact us with questions or concerns about the latest in Nurse Assessment Coordinator (NAC) News (Solution Center Information). Your question may be included
Feel free to reach out with questions or concerns regarding the latest in Nurse Assessment Coordinator (NAC) News (Solution Center Information). Your question may be presented in the next Ask Amanda column.
Ask Amanda A Question using this link!
