SNF Updates 2024-2025: Complete Quiz and Course Evaluation to Obtain Certificate

Question 1 of 5

Medicare Part A Updates for the SNF Setting that are effective 10/1/24 include ALL of the following items EXCEPT which one?

Though there is a 4.2% net increase in the FY2025 Part A rates to SNFs, it is possible that some SNFs will not see an increase based on their performance in the 2 Quality Measure Programs (SNF QRP, SNF VBP)
There are only 4 ICD-10 Code changes from CMSs Mapping File for 10/1/24, all changing from Medical Management to "Return to Provider."
The NTA Component has been restructured and changes WILL KICK IN ON 10/1/24, including the removal of 17 items such as Trach Care, Foot Infection, Foot Open Lesion, Feeding Tube, Ostomy and Malnutrition.
As part of the SNF Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP), SNFs are at risk of incurring a payment penalty in the amount of 2% of total Medicare Part A payments. The penalty currently occurs in 1 of 2 ways: Failing to submit at least 90% of all PPS Part A MDS assessments that are 100% complete (no dashes); AND/OR reporting all Vaccination Data (COVID and Influenza) to the National Healthcare Safety Network in the required timeframe. Non-compliance with either category will result in the penalty.
The SNF Value Based Purchasing Program (SNF VBP) involves Medicare Part A residents only. This program has only had 1 measure in the past. However, as of 10/1/24, 7 additional measures come into play that SNF data will be collected on.

Question 2 of 5

ALL the following statements about the updated MDS 3.0 changes that go into effect on 10/1/2023 are TRUE EXCEPT:

Section I, Active Diagnosis, has a significant update to the definition of I2100 Septicemia. The RAI update states that if the diagnosis is Sepsis (not Septicemia), additional documentation in the record is required in order to code Septicemia. The additional documentation includes BOTH the support of an inflammatory process AND support of a microbial process.
Section K updates include changing the definition for IV Fluids from "nutrition AND hydration" to "nutrition OR hydration." The change was a clarification to assist with coding.
There is a new MDS Item Set/Question (O0350) to capture the resident's COVID-19 Vaccination Status, "Is the Resident COVID-19 Vaccination Up to Date?" This question was added to capture data for a new Measure in the SNF QRP Program.
Section GG has had a "Discharge Goal" column on the 5-Day PPS MDS since GG was created. SNFs were required to completed at least 1 Discharge Goal from either the Self Care or Mobility Sections, and were allowed to dash the remaining items. As of 10/1/24, the CMS is requiring completion of all Discharge Goals, or a payment penalty may result.
CMS outlined a new process call "Manual Deleteion" that will be required if a MDS was submitted to iQIES in error under certain circumstances. Manual Deletion of a MDS requires the involvement of your State MDS Automation Coordinator. An example of when this would be required is when a stand-alone 5-Day PPS MDS is submitted for a non-Medicare resident.

Question 3 of 5

Medicare Part B Updates for the SNF Setting that are proposed for 1/1/25 include ALL of the following items EXCEPT which one?

There are 16 CPT codes that have been re-valued and are expected to receive a payment increase for 1/1/25. 3 CPT codes are expected to see a decrease in value, including 97112 (Neuro muscular re-education), 97530 (Therapeutic Activities) and 97022 (Whirlpool).
Telehealth for Therapy professionals is set to expire 12/31/24. There is pending legislation to counteract the expiration date, and if passed, could extend Telehealth beyond 2024.
Therapy will continue to be required to send the Initial Plan of Care to the Physician, however, the physician will no longer be required to sign the Initial Plan of Care, as long as the physician ordered/referred the service and there is proof of this in the medical record.
Medicare's definition of SUPERVISION in the SNF setting is currently GENERAL, meaning, the therapist does not need to be on site when a PTA or OTA is treating. In the Proposed Rule, Medicare is changing the definition for SUPERVISION for the PRIVATE PRACTICE setting to match the SNF (and other settings). A State Practice Act may override the Medicare definition if the supervision regulation is more strict.
Medicare Part B reimbursement rates will increase by 4.2% on 1/1/25.

Question 4 of 5

TYPE THE NUMBER THAT BEST REPRESENTS YOUR EXPERIENCE. Feel free to add additional comments.

The information presented today was CLEAR, ORGANIZED and MET LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1- Yes, yes and yes!

2- It was ok…I followed most of it.

3- Nope…it was not up to my standards!

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

Question 5 of 5

TYPE THE NUMBER THAT BEST REPESENTS YOUR EXPERIENCE. Feel free to add additional comments.

This presentation provided new and useful information that I will be able to use in my practice.

1- For sure! The information was above and beyond my expectations.

2- The information was adequate and will be somewhat helpful.

3- Nope – Sadly an hour I’ll never get back!

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

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