Welcome to the HealthPRO Heritage Blog

Did you know CMS has recently published two new options for Skilled Nursing Facilities to obtain additional Covid-19 funding?

With our industry’s focus on the COVID-19 public health emergency, this year’s Final Rule addresses essential policies only, while incorporating some impactful PDPM updates. There is a strong theme emphasizing a continued commitment to keeping providers connected through electronic means to promote the exchange and reuse of patient assessment data. The MDS is at the top of that list with discharge information being critical to ensure necessary medical information is shared and transferred among post hospital settings. The MDS will not have the anticipated major over haul until 2 years from the end of the Public Health Emergency, likely October 2022. This is good news for interdisciplinary teams that have been adjusting to many related changes and communication methods. Accuracy and collaboration remain critical for the current environment as well as future changes.

“Amidst this pandemic, every single person in a nursing home, assisted living and independent living community needs help. While some need help rehabilitating from a COVID-19 infection, countless others require a prescriptive approach to recover from the negative effects of isolation.” - James A. Avery, MD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.       

Those recovering from a COVID-19 infection – especially older adults – are experiencing significant, persistent deficits. To optimize physical, psychological and functional recovery, the authors of a recent study in Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine recommend post-acute and long-term rehabilitation interventions. Multidisciplinary teams – inclusive of physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and dietitians – are ideal and best-suited to address the complex syndrome of symptoms commonly associated with seniors recovering from COVID-19.

Is your community meeting the new CDC guidelines when it comes to infection prevention requirements? As COVID-19 cases increase (amidst concerns of a second spike in incidence rates), the CDC released guideline updates for healthcare professionals. As of June 25, 2020:

Children can receive therapeutic support for developmental needs through a number of environments such as inpatient/outpatient clinics, the home, and public schools. The location of service for children with therapeutic needs depends on factors such as the child’s age, needs, and funding source. In some cases, a child may receive support from more than one option at the same time. The goal of care may vary depending on the setting.

Let’s discuss these services which are broken down into two primary models: (1) Educational Model (also known as School-Based Services Delivery) and (2) Medical Model. While both models offer beneficial support for children and their family, understanding the differences between the two models can help service providers offer the most effective services within their current environment.

On June 26, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Home Health proposed rule for 2021.

There were little to no changes with the PDGM payment model and it’s clear that PDGM is here to stay.  Additional highlights from this proposed rule are listed below:

Q&A with Hilary Forman, Chief Clinical Strategies Officer at HealthPRO Heritage identifies opportunities to improve cash flow (and outcomes!) amidst the turmoil of the PDPM transition and COVID-19.

As the number of new COVID-19 cases rise and fall across the country, HealthPRO Heritage at Home reminds you that we are prepared above & beyond. Our 3-prong approach + Partnership Pledge provides support in the case of a second wave, or if infections increase in your market.

For 15+ years, HealthPRO Heritage at Home has served the therapy needs of home health agencies who have counted on us as a trusted partner to address the challenges and opportunities unique to home health.

As the industry navigates changes brought by PDGM and COVID-19, HealthPRO Heritage at Home is well prepared to support partners with meaningful guidance and sophisticated resources that fortify operational success, financial growth, and clinical excellence, including:

It is estimated that at least 700,000 COVID-19 survivors will require post-acute care after hospital discharge.  Individuals that survive critical COVID-19 illness are facing serious impairments. They may have profound weakness, deconditioning, delirium, postural instability, decreased lung capacity and significant functional deficits. These individuals require rehabilitation in a post-acute setting to improve functional status prior to returning back to normal life. 

Are you ready and willing to care for these patients?