Proposed FY '22 SNF Rule: A PDPM Surprise; CMS Acknowledges Lower Therapy Rates
CMS says the PDPM is 5% more costly than the previous payment system, and warns SNFs to not let finances "override" clinical judgment.
In this review: Medicare Program: Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program and Value-Based Purchasing Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2022 (proposed rule)
Proposed FY '22 IRF Rule: 2.2% Increase; Call for Input on Equity, Reporting
As the U.S. health care system continues to struggle with a pandemic and its fallout, CMS keeps IRF payment changes relatively minimal.
In this review: Medicare Program: Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2022 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program (proposed rule) Effective date: Oct. 1, 2021
Study: Acute Care Rehab Linked to Lower Odds of Readmission, Death Poststroke
The study of nearly 9,000 patients also looked at the potential role of patient mobility at hospital admission.
In this review: Association Between Use of Rehabilitation in the Acute Care Hospital and Hospital Readmission or Mortality in Patients With Stroke (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, abstract only available for free at link)
APTA, AOTA Postacute Care Study: Therapy Makes A Definitive Difference for Patients
The study of 1.4 million Medicare patients finds differing patient needs, but a consistent result: more therapy = better outcomes.
Amid regulatory pressures to move closer to a one-size-fits-all payment system across postacute care settings, a massive new study sponsored by APTA and the American Occupational Therapy Association is calling for a more careful approach. The analysis of 1.4 million episodes of rehab in skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehab facilities, and home health agencies found that while rehab is strongly associated with significant improvements in function no matter the postacute setting, actual patient needs demand care that's more tailored to each setting. Bottom line: Rehab works best when it can be adapted to the care environment and individual patients.
WHO Releases Global Report and Resources on Ageism
Ageism pervades many institutions and sectors of society, including those providing health and social care, the workplace, the media and the legal system.
Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed toward people on the basis of their age. It can be institutional, interpersonal or self-directed.
To start a conversation around this, the World Health Organization has developed a Global Report on Ageism, as well as several resources, social media graphics, videos and tools.
APTA Geriatrics Response to US Senate Special Committee on Aging Request for Balance and Falls Information Posted
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