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New & noteworthy
December 20, 2024
FTag 582 – Changes Effective January 1, 2025
November 26, 2024
Revised Long Term Care Surveyor Guidance - CMS News Release 11/18/24
Regulatory Update
November 25, 2024
FTag 883 – Ensuring Immunization Compliance
All
Regulatory Updates
Hot Topics
Staffing
Consulting
Case Studies
MDS News and Guidance
FTag 582 – Changes Effective January 1, 2025
Using Quality in Focus as the foundation, Polaris Group highlights FTag 582 Medicaid/Medicare Coverage/Liability Notice.
Revised Long Term Care Surveyor Guidance - CMS News Release 11/18/24
Surveyor updates coming in February, what you need to know.
Regulatory Update
November 14, 2024
FTag 883 – Ensuring Immunization Compliance
F883 immunization deficiencies surged in 2024 mock surveys. What do know and what to do in order to align policies with CMS regulations.
Regulatory Update
October 28, 2024
It's Time for Flu Vaccines
Regulatory Update
October 8, 2024
Understanding FTag 838: Key Updates and Best Practices
Six points to consider while updating your facility assessment.
Regulatory Update
September 10, 2024
FTag 692 Nutrition/Hydration Status Maintenance
A focus on nutrition/hydration in LTC facilities post-COVID and recommendations on what to observe during meal service to improve compliance
Regulatory Update
August 7, 2024
FTag 684 Quality of Care
Using Quality in Focus as the foundation, Polaris Group highlights FTag 684 Quality of Care, the third most frequently cited FTag in FY 2023
Hot Topics
August 1, 2024
Five Updates to Know from CMS’ FY 2025 Final Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities
On July 31st revisions to 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System, the QRP, SDOH, ICD-10 Code Mappings, and CMPs.
Hot Topics
July 9, 2024
Six Steps to Ensure Compliance with F838 Facility Assessment
Six Steps to Ensure Compliance with F838 Facility Assessment. Revisions Effective 8.8.24. Are You Prepared?
Hot Topics
June 3, 2024
Changes to FTag 838 Facility Assessment
Have you completed the updates effective August 9th, 2024? Does Your Staffing Plan Meet the Medically Complex Needs of Your Resident?
Hot Topics
May 6, 2024
Outsourced and Remote MDS Coordinator Improves Mansion Nursing & Rehabilitation’s Reimbursement Accuracy
See how Mansion Nursing & Rehab achieved 100% assessment accuracy and increased its CMI by 12%.
Regulatory Update
May 8, 2024
F880 Infection Prevention and Control
With the release of the CMS mandate requiring the use of EBP in certain circumstances, we offer information related to common questions.
Regulatory Update
April 23, 2024
CMS Releases Final Rules Related to Nursing Home Reform Package
The rules address minimum staffing standards, as well and Medicaid and Managed Care access.
CMS issues new mandate under F880 Infection Prevention and Control effective April 1. Are you prepared?
Effective April 1st, surveyors will evaluate the use of EBP, Polaris Group suggests the implementation of 5 processes to avoid citations.
Regulatory Update
April 10, 2024
F677: ADL Care for Dependent Residents
A systematic review of 4 areas (grooming, nutrition, assistance with bathroom, assistance with transport) to ensure compliance with F677.
Regulatory Update
March 19, 2024
F699- Trauma Informed Care
Using Quality in Focus as the foundation, Polaris Group highlights best practices to help mitigate penalties and citations.
Regulatory Update
March 11, 2024
Staffing Takeaways from Skilled Nursing News’s Clinical Executive Conference
Three key takeaways from the SNN's Clinical Conference: Training, MDS Completion, and Financial Advocacy and the Staffing Mandate.
MDS News and Guidance
February 16, 2024
MDS Changes Coming in October 2024 – What to Expect and How to Prepare
A high-level overview of upcoming MDS modifications as well as ways to prepare.
Hot Topics
February 8, 2024
F585 Grievances
Six questions to ensure your grievance process meets regulations.
Hot Topics
January 22, 2024
F689: Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices
F689 Falls – Are You Proactive or Reactive?
Regulatory Update
F695 Respirator/Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning
Learn about the 7 measures your community can utilize to reduce the risk of a F695 citation.
Regulatory Update
December 8, 2023
Five Practicalities You Need to Know About Your QAPI Program
Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) is a two-in-one approach read below to see how it can help your community.
Regulatory Update
F921 Safe/Functional/Sanitary/Comfortable Environment
Avoid a F921 citation by promoting a comfortable, clean, and safe environment in your facility.
Regulatory Update
October 12, 2023
FTag of the Month: 909 Resident Bed
How facilities can avoid a F909 citation through bed audits, understanding and training around zones of entrapment, and more.
Regulatory Update
September 14, 2023
FTag of the Month: F812 Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Sanitary
Facilities can avoid a F812 citation with proper food safety, sanitation practices, and documentation.
Regulatory Update
September 5, 2023
Understanding the Proposed CMS Staffing Mandate
On September 1st, CMS released a proposed staffing mandate. Understand what it means for your facility and what you can do next to prepare.
MDS News and Guidance
September 27, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: Are you ready for MDS 3.0?
Use this checklist to help prepare your facility for MDS 3.0
MDS News and Guidance
August 23, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is happening with Section O: Special Treatments, Procedures, and Programs?
Section O changes will impact how you code treatments, procedures, and programs residents received or performed during assessment periods.
Regulatory Update
August 22, 2023
FTag of the month: F689 Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices.
Facilities can avoid a F689 citation with accident prevention, resident and environment supervision, and maintaining devices and equipment.
Consulting
July 26, 2023
Navigating the Surveyor Staffing Crunch: How Polaris Mock Surveys Can Help Long-Term Care Facilities Prepare
The impact of staffing shortages could impact your survey results -delays in timely completion, questionable citations, and more.
MDS News and Guidance
August 31, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening with Section K?
Section K in MDS 3.0 has wording clarifications and revisions to data elements and assessment steps.
MDS News and Guidance
August 14, 2023
Polaris Group Partners with MatrixCare to Improve MDS Assessment Accuracy for Long-Term Care Communities
Polaris Group will enable MatrixCare customers to utilize remote MDS coordinators to improve MDS assessment execution.
Regulatory Update
July 25, 2023
FTag of the Month: F880 – Infection Control and Prevention
Surveyors are increasingly focused on infection control. Read more to learn how you can prepare your facility.
MDS News and Guidance
September 7, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening with Section D?
The Resident Mood Interview will be modified to the PHQ-2 to 9 with the new MDS 3.0. Use the Total Severity Score to enhance care planning.
MDS News and Guidance
July 19, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening With Section G and Section GG?
This blog is part of Polaris Group's Decoding the MDS 3.0 series which explores changes to the new MDS, launching October 1, 2023.
MDS News and Guidance
August 7, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening with Social Determinants of Health?
This blog is part of Polaris Group's Decoding the MDS 3.0 series which will explore the changes occurring in specific MDS sections.
MDS News and Guidance
July 12, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What Is Happening With Section J?
On October 1, 2023 the new MDS 3.0 goes into effect, presenting major changes to how care is documented and coded.
Regulatory Update
June 28, 2023
Five Things to Know about the CMS Five Claims Probe
Learn how CMS's 5 Claim Probe & Educate Review program aims to help SNFs improve billing under the PDPM model.
June 12, 2023
FTag of the Month: Personal Food Policy
Facilities need to focus on the safety of outside food brought into the facility by visitors.
June 22, 2023
What Skilled Nursing Facilities Need to Know to Prepare for the CMS 5-Claim Probe
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has instructed MACs to perform a 5-claim probe on each SNF in their area.
May 22, 2023
FTag of the Month: Training Requirements
Ongoing training is key to ensure competent staff, volunteers, and students who can provide the best care to residents.
April 19, 2023
Impact of Public Health Emergency (PHE) Expiration on SNFs: How Polaris Can Help
Polaris Group consultants can help your nursing home teams with clinical and Medicare compliance support.
April 18, 2023
The CMS Staffing Mandate: What to Know and How to Prepare Your Nursing Facility
Proposed mandates, the potential impacts, and initial steps your facility can take to get ready for this new ruling.
April 13, 2023
How to prepare your facility for new CMS off-site anti-psychotic medication audits
New CMS audits are on the horizon to reduce unnecessary use – is your facility prepared?
Advance directives: what you need to know to be in compliance with Ftag F578
Understand Ftag F578 and ensure your community is in compliance!
February 28, 2023
Is Your Nursing Home Staff Providing Trauma Informed Care to Residents? 
Ensure you're providing culturally competent care in accordance with professional standards of practice
Hot Topics
February 2, 2023
Prepare for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The end of the emergency on May 11 signals a new phase of the government’s pandemic response.
Hot Topics
January 25, 2023
CMS Announces More Quality Care Updates, Including Steps to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use
CMS announces additional plans to tighten antipsychotic oversight and increase consumer transparency.
Regulatory Update
November 28, 2022
Reducing Unnecessary Medication Use is Challenging. How to Get Started and How Polaris Can Help
Now is the time to focus on your facility’s policies and procedures. In this blog, learn about steps to reduce your risk for FTag citations.
Case Studies
November 14, 2022
How Peachtree Hills Place achieved a deficiency-free survey with help from a Polaris MDS Coordinator
Learn how Peachtree Hills Place achieved a deficiency-free state survey using an expert outsourced MDS Coordinator.
Consulting
October 25, 2022
New CMS Training Requirements: In-Depth and Extensive Provisions
Understand CMS's New Nursing Facility Guidance and training requirements
Hot Topics
October 25, 2022
Protecting our Seniors:  New Steps Announced to Improve the Quality and Safety of Nursing Homes
Learn how the White House is addressing quality of care through changes to the SFF program
Regulatory Update
October 11, 2022
What New Quality Measure Was Announced in the SNF QRP?
Understand the new Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel quality measure into the SNF QRP.
Regulatory Update
September 28, 2022
13 Questions to Prepare for on State Surveys
Prepare for upcoming October changes to the nursing home surveyor process by reviewing these 13 key questions.
Staffing
September 26, 2022
Polaris Group Places Exceptional Nursing Home Leaders
Learn how Polaris finds and places exceptional specialized candidates in nursing home facilities nationwide
Regulatory Update
September 22, 2022
Why Infection Control Practices Continue to Take Center Stage
Recent cases of monkey pox reported in the US shows us that emergent diseases will always be a challenge. Prepare for the next virus.
MDS News and Guidance
September 8, 2022
News Release September 2022: Most Significant Change to the MDS in Twelve Years
On September 2, 2022, CMS posted a draft of updated MDS specifications. Here are the revisions.
Regulatory Update
Nurse Aide Training Waiver Extended
Exceptional Staffing Services through Specialization: the Polaris Difference
Not all staffing teams are the same. Polaris's results? 98% retention rates and superior staff for your facility.
Hot Topics
August 24, 2022
Polaris Group Mock Surveys Best Prepare Facilities for State Surveyors
With high turnover, recruitment problems, and survey concerns, the demands on your clinical staff are greater than ever before.
Hot Topics
August 15, 2022
Nursing home medication management: what’s wrong and how to fix it
The new CMS surveyor guidance beginning in October stresses medication management and gradual dose reduction.
Regulatory Update
July 25, 2022
Changes for nursing home surveyors are going into effect this October and one area facilities need to be focused on is infection control.
Read our blog on the latest CMS surveyor guidance on infection control deficiencies and how to ensure your facility prevents citations.
Regulatory Update
July 19, 2022
Nursing Facilities Need to be Prepared for New Changes to CMS Surveyor Guidance
Get an overview of the upcoming items that surveyors will be focused on so you can prepare your facilities for citation-free surveys. 
Regulatory Update
June 30, 2022
CMS Revised Surveyor Guidance
Surveyors will be using new CMS Phase 2 and Phase 3 guidance to identify non-compliance as of October 24th, 2022.
June 28, 2022
Updates on Part B Therapy Audits
The PDPM payment system doesn’t affect Part B therapy, but Part B claims are still eligible for auditing.  
Staffing
April 28, 2022
Novel staffing solutions are key to thriving in the post-pandemic healthcare environment
Are traditional recruiting strategies no longer working? Polaris Staffing outlines several unique tactics to attract high quality staff.
Regulatory Update
April 14, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Guidance Revised by CMS
Learn more about the newest CMS vaccine mandate guidelines and how they affect your community by reading our latest blog.
Regulatory Update
April 12, 2022
Renewal of Determination That a Public Health Emergency Exists and Blanket Waivers Ending for SNF/NFs
Announcement regarding the end of emergency waivers and details on areas affected by the change.
Hot Topics
March 29, 2022
How Covenant Living Improved Its Reimbursement Rate and Overcame Staffing Gaps through Polaris Group’s Offsite MDS Coordinator Program
A case study on how Covenant Living Communities and Services benefited from Polaris Group's Offsite MDS Coordinator Program.
Hot Topics
March 22, 2022
The 10 Most Common FTags and How to Address Them
FTag citations have changed dramatically during COVID-19. Learn about the 10 most frequently cited and how to stay in compliance.
February 23, 2022
Polaris Group Welcomes RCM and Back-Office Solutions Provider Quality Healthcare Resources to the Assembly Health Family
Expanded RCM and back-office services are now available to long-term care communities through Quality Healthcare Resources.
Hot Topics
February 22, 2022
Physical and Occupational Therapy Reimbursement Cuts Go Into Effect
Understand the January 1st, 2022 reduction in reimbursement for services provided by therapy assistants.
Hot Topics
February 18, 2022
CMS Begins Posting Staff Turnover Rates and Weekend Staff Levels
Healthcare consumers are now able to see nursing home staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels on Medicare.gove Care Compare.
Regulatory Update
February 13, 2022
CMS COVID-19 Healthcare Staff Vaccination Rule
See CMS' latest COVID-19 vaccination requirements and timelines for healthcare staff.
Regulatory Update
February 11, 2022
Lower Federal Court Takes on the Qualifying Hospital Stay for Medicare Part A
Learn more about the recently upheld 2019 decision allowing Medicare beneficiaries to appeal a hospital's reclassification of inpatients.
Hot Topics
December 20, 2021
A Beginner’s Guide to Medicare Expedited Determination Notices
As Medicare audits return, it’s important to understand when and how to share a Medicare expedited determination with your patients.
Regulatory Update
December 13, 2021
Coding Post-COVID-19 Condition in FY 2022
See updates to coding for Post-Covid 19 conditions
Polaris Pulse
December 9, 2021
Medicare Updates from CMS
Get the latest CMS Medicare updates.
Regulatory Update
December 14, 2021
New PTA and OTA Modifiers Required Beginning January 1, 2022
CMS has established and are implementing two new therapy modifiers for PTAs and OTAs providing services to therapy patients.
MDS News and Guidance
December 10, 2021
How to Find Experienced MDS Coordinators (and Achieve Staffing Stability) with Polaris
See how the staffing crisis has impacted MDS Coordinator retention, and how Polaris Group can help.
Hot Topics
December 1, 2021
Why Nursing Home Administrator Stability is Key for COVID-19 Recovery
See how Polaris Group can help you fill vacant nursing home administrator positions.
Polaris Pulse
November 16, 2021
The Polaris Pulse: CMS Issues Emergency Regulation, New Section GG Training, and More
Understand the latest COVID-19 regulation for healthcare workers and take advantage of new Section GG training.
Hot Topics
November 18, 2021
Infection Control and State Surveys: Tips and Findings
Learn how to prepare for infection control requirements in your state certification surveys.
Polaris Pulse
August 24, 2021
The Polaris Pulse: FY 2022 SNF Final Rules
Understand CMS' published SNF PPS Final Rules for FY 2022.
Polaris Pulse
July 22, 2021
The Polaris Pulse: FY 2022 SNF Proposed Rules
Learn more about CMS’ proposed SNF PPS payment in FY 2022.
Hot Topics
July 7, 2021
The Patient-Driven Payment Model And Why It's Important
The Patient-Driven Payment Model(PDPM) and Why It's Important
Hot Topics
June 30, 2021
Solution Center Q&A - Part Two
Part Two of a two-part interview. I am completing a Discharge Assessment for a resident who, upon admission, had two stage 2 pressure ulcers
Regulatory Update
February 3, 2021
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Offering A Training Designed For Providers In The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Setting
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training.
Hot Topics
February 3, 2021
Solution Center Q&A - Part One
Part One of a two-part interview. When our MDSC completes a Significant Change in Status MDS, does this change the PDPM rate for Medicare?
Regulatory Update
February 3, 2021
American Physical Therapy Association: APTA-Backed Bill Advantage Prior Authorization Presses for Medicare Reforms
The legislation would require MA plans to share data, provide transparency, create more efficient systems, and do a better job of listening.
Regulatory Update
February 3, 2021
AAPACN: CMS FY 2022 Budget Request:Nursing Home Survey and Infection Prevention Are a Big Focus
According to AAPACN the CMS FY 2022 budget request has been finalized and submitted to Congress
Regulatory Update
November 25, 2024
Understanding FTag 838: Key Updates and Best Practices
Six points to consider while updating your facility assessment.
Regulatory Update
November 25, 2024
FTag 883 – Ensuring Immunization Compliance
F883 immunization deficiencies surged in 2024 mock surveys. What do know and what to do in order to align policies with CMS regulations.
Regulatory Update
October 28, 2024
It's Time for Flu Vaccines
Regulatory Update
August 29, 2024
FTag 692 Nutrition/Hydration Status Maintenance
A focus on nutrition/hydration in LTC facilities post-COVID and recommendations on what to observe during meal service to improve compliance
Regulatory Update
August 7, 2024
FTag 684 Quality of Care
Using Quality in Focus as the foundation, Polaris Group highlights FTag 684 Quality of Care, the third most frequently cited FTag in FY 2023
Regulatory Update
May 7, 2024
F880 Infection Prevention and Control
With the release of the CMS mandate requiring the use of EBP in certain circumstances, we offer information related to common questions.
Regulatory Update
April 30, 2024
CMS Releases Final Rules Related to Nursing Home Reform Package
The rules address minimum staffing standards, as well and Medicaid and Managed Care access.
Regulatory Update
April 1, 2024
F699- Trauma Informed Care
Using Quality in Focus as the foundation, Polaris Group highlights best practices to help mitigate penalties and citations.
Regulatory Update
April 1, 2024
F677: ADL Care for Dependent Residents
A systematic review of 4 areas (grooming, nutrition, assistance with bathroom, assistance with transport) to ensure compliance with F677.
Regulatory Update
March 11, 2024
Staffing Takeaways from Skilled Nursing News’s Clinical Executive Conference
Three key takeaways from the SNN's Clinical Conference: Training, MDS Completion, and Financial Advocacy and the Staffing Mandate.
Regulatory Update
January 23, 2024
Five Practicalities You Need to Know About Your QAPI Program
Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) is a two-in-one approach read below to see how it can help your community.
Regulatory Update
January 23, 2024
F695 Respirator/Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning
Learn about the 7 measures your community can utilize to reduce the risk of a F695 citation.
Regulatory Update
November 7, 2023
F921 Safe/Functional/Sanitary/Comfortable Environment
Avoid a F921 citation by promoting a comfortable, clean, and safe environment in your facility.
Regulatory Update
October 19, 2023
FTag of the Month: 909 Resident Bed
How facilities can avoid a F909 citation through bed audits, understanding and training around zones of entrapment, and more.
Regulatory Update
September 13, 2023
FTag of the Month: F812 Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Sanitary
Facilities can avoid a F812 citation with proper food safety, sanitation practices, and documentation.
Regulatory Update
September 6, 2023
Understanding the Proposed CMS Staffing Mandate
On September 1st, CMS released a proposed staffing mandate. Understand what it means for your facility and what you can do next to prepare.
Regulatory Update
August 16, 2023
FTag of the month: F689 Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices.
Facilities can avoid a F689 citation with accident prevention, resident and environment supervision, and maintaining devices and equipment.
Regulatory Update
July 24, 2023
FTag of the Month: F880 – Infection Control and Prevention
Surveyors are increasingly focused on infection control. Read more to learn how you can prepare your facility.
Regulatory Update
July 18, 2023
Five Things to Know about the CMS Five Claims Probe
Learn how CMS's 5 Claim Probe & Educate Review program aims to help SNFs improve billing under the PDPM model.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Nursing Facilities Need to be Prepared for New Changes to CMS Surveyor Guidance
Get an overview of the upcoming items that surveyors will be focused on so you can prepare your facilities for citation-free surveys. 
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
New PTA and OTA Modifiers Required Beginning January 1, 2022
CMS has established and are implementing two new therapy modifiers for PTAs and OTAs providing services to therapy patients.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
CMS COVID-19 Healthcare Staff Vaccination Rule
See CMS' latest COVID-19 vaccination requirements and timelines for healthcare staff.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Reducing Unnecessary Medication Use is Challenging. How to Get Started and How Polaris Can Help
Now is the time to focus on your facility’s policies and procedures. In this blog, learn about steps to reduce your risk for FTag citations.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
American Physical Therapy Association: APTA-Backed Bill Advantage Prior Authorization Presses for Medicare Reforms
The legislation would require MA plans to share data, provide transparency, create more efficient systems, and do a better job of listening.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Coding Post-COVID-19 Condition in FY 2022
See updates to coding for Post-Covid 19 conditions
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Changes for nursing home surveyors are going into effect this October and one area facilities need to be focused on is infection control.
Read our blog on the latest CMS surveyor guidance on infection control deficiencies and how to ensure your facility prevents citations.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Why Infection Control Practices Continue to Take Center Stage
Recent cases of monkey pox reported in the US shows us that emergent diseases will always be a challenge. Prepare for the next virus.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
AAPACN: CMS FY 2022 Budget Request:Nursing Home Survey and Infection Prevention Are a Big Focus
According to AAPACN the CMS FY 2022 budget request has been finalized and submitted to Congress
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
CMS Revised Surveyor Guidance
Surveyors will be using new CMS Phase 2 and Phase 3 guidance to identify non-compliance as of October 24th, 2022.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Nurse Aide Training Waiver Extended
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
What New Quality Measure Was Announced in the SNF QRP?
Understand the new Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel quality measure into the SNF QRP.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
13 Questions to Prepare for on State Surveys
Prepare for upcoming October changes to the nursing home surveyor process by reviewing these 13 key questions.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Renewal of Determination That a Public Health Emergency Exists and Blanket Waivers Ending for SNF/NFs
Announcement regarding the end of emergency waivers and details on areas affected by the change.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Offering A Training Designed For Providers In The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Setting
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Guidance Revised by CMS
Learn more about the newest CMS vaccine mandate guidelines and how they affect your community by reading our latest blog.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Lower Federal Court Takes on the Qualifying Hospital Stay for Medicare Part A
Learn more about the recently upheld 2019 decision allowing Medicare beneficiaries to appeal a hospital's reclassification of inpatients.
Hot Topics
September 9, 2024
Changes to FTag 838 Facility Assessment
Have you completed the updates effective August 9th, 2024? Does Your Staffing Plan Meet the Medically Complex Needs of Your Resident?
Hot Topics
August 7, 2024
Five Updates to Know from CMS’ FY 2025 Final Rule for Skilled Nursing Facilities
On July 31st revisions to 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System, the QRP, SDOH, ICD-10 Code Mappings, and CMPs.
Hot Topics
July 3, 2024
Six Steps to Ensure Compliance with F838 Facility Assessment
Six Steps to Ensure Compliance with F838 Facility Assessment. Revisions Effective 8.8.24. Are You Prepared?
Hot Topics
May 22, 2024
Outsourced and Remote MDS Coordinator Improves Mansion Nursing & Rehabilitation’s Reimbursement Accuracy
See how Mansion Nursing & Rehab achieved 100% assessment accuracy and increased its CMI by 12%.
Hot Topics
February 8, 2024
F585 Grievances
Six questions to ensure your grievance process meets regulations.
Hot Topics
January 23, 2024
F689: Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices
F689 Falls – Are You Proactive or Reactive?
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
How Covenant Living Improved Its Reimbursement Rate and Overcame Staffing Gaps through Polaris Group’s Offsite MDS Coordinator Program
A case study on how Covenant Living Communities and Services benefited from Polaris Group's Offsite MDS Coordinator Program.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Solution Center Q&A - Part One
Part One of a two-part interview. When our MDSC completes a Significant Change in Status MDS, does this change the PDPM rate for Medicare?
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Infection Control and State Surveys: Tips and Findings
Learn how to prepare for infection control requirements in your state certification surveys.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Physical and Occupational Therapy Reimbursement Cuts Go Into Effect
Understand the January 1st, 2022 reduction in reimbursement for services provided by therapy assistants.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Polaris Group Mock Surveys Best Prepare Facilities for State Surveyors
With high turnover, recruitment problems, and survey concerns, the demands on your clinical staff are greater than ever before.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
The Patient-Driven Payment Model And Why It's Important
The Patient-Driven Payment Model(PDPM) and Why It's Important
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Protecting our Seniors:  New Steps Announced to Improve the Quality and Safety of Nursing Homes
Learn how the White House is addressing quality of care through changes to the SFF program
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Prepare for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The end of the emergency on May 11 signals a new phase of the government’s pandemic response.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
CMS Announces More Quality Care Updates, Including Steps to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use
CMS announces additional plans to tighten antipsychotic oversight and increase consumer transparency.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
A Beginner’s Guide to Medicare Expedited Determination Notices
As Medicare audits return, it’s important to understand when and how to share a Medicare expedited determination with your patients.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
The 10 Most Common FTags and How to Address Them
FTag citations have changed dramatically during COVID-19. Learn about the 10 most frequently cited and how to stay in compliance.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Nursing home medication management: what’s wrong and how to fix it
The new CMS surveyor guidance beginning in October stresses medication management and gradual dose reduction.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Solution Center Q&A - Part Two
Part Two of a two-part interview. I am completing a Discharge Assessment for a resident who, upon admission, had two stage 2 pressure ulcers
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Why Nursing Home Administrator Stability is Key for COVID-19 Recovery
See how Polaris Group can help you fill vacant nursing home administrator positions.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
CMS Begins Posting Staff Turnover Rates and Weekend Staff Levels
Healthcare consumers are now able to see nursing home staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels on Medicare.gove Care Compare.
Staffing
March 14, 2023
Novel staffing solutions are key to thriving in the post-pandemic healthcare environment
Are traditional recruiting strategies no longer working? Polaris Staffing outlines several unique tactics to attract high quality staff.
Staffing
March 14, 2023
Polaris Group Places Exceptional Nursing Home Leaders
Learn how Polaris finds and places exceptional specialized candidates in nursing home facilities nationwide
Consulting
July 26, 2023
Navigating the Surveyor Staffing Crunch: How Polaris Mock Surveys Can Help Long-Term Care Facilities Prepare
The impact of staffing shortages could impact your survey results -delays in timely completion, questionable citations, and more.
Consulting
March 14, 2023
New CMS Training Requirements: In-Depth and Extensive Provisions
Understand CMS's New Nursing Facility Guidance and training requirements
Case Studies
March 14, 2023
How Peachtree Hills Place achieved a deficiency-free survey with help from a Polaris MDS Coordinator
Learn how Peachtree Hills Place achieved a deficiency-free state survey using an expert outsourced MDS Coordinator.
MDS News and Guidance
February 15, 2024
MDS Changes Coming in October 2024 – What to Expect and How to Prepare
A high-level overview of upcoming MDS modifications as well as ways to prepare.
MDS News and Guidance
September 5, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: Are you ready for MDS 3.0?
Use this checklist to help prepare your facility for MDS 3.0
MDS News and Guidance
August 29, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening with Section D?
The Resident Mood Interview will be modified to the PHQ-2 to 9 with the new MDS 3.0. Use the Total Severity Score to enhance care planning.
MDS News and Guidance
August 29, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is happening with Section O: Special Treatments, Procedures, and Programs?
Section O changes will impact how you code treatments, procedures, and programs residents received or performed during assessment periods.
MDS News and Guidance
August 29, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening with Section K?
Section K in MDS 3.0 has wording clarifications and revisions to data elements and assessment steps.
MDS News and Guidance
August 22, 2023
Polaris Group Partners with MatrixCare to Improve MDS Assessment Accuracy for Long-Term Care Communities
Polaris Group will enable MatrixCare customers to utilize remote MDS coordinators to improve MDS assessment execution.
MDS News and Guidance
August 7, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening with Social Determinants of Health?
This blog is part of Polaris Group's Decoding the MDS 3.0 series which will explore the changes occurring in specific MDS sections.
MDS News and Guidance
July 25, 2023
How to Find Experienced MDS Coordinators (and Achieve Staffing Stability) with Polaris
See how the staffing crisis has impacted MDS Coordinator retention, and how Polaris Group can help.
MDS News and Guidance
July 25, 2023
News Release September 2022: Most Significant Change to the MDS in Twelve Years
On September 2, 2022, CMS posted a draft of updated MDS specifications. Here are the revisions.
MDS News and Guidance
July 25, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What Is Happening With Section J?
On October 1, 2023 the new MDS 3.0 goes into effect, presenting major changes to how care is documented and coded.
MDS News and Guidance
July 25, 2023
Decoding the MDS 3.0: What is Happening With Section G and Section GG?
This blog is part of Polaris Group's Decoding the MDS 3.0 series which explores changes to the new MDS, launching October 1, 2023.
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