Welcome to the HealthPRO Heritage Blog

HUNT VALLEY, MD – January 9, 2025 – In a major development for senior living facilities and long-term care providers, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has announced updates to their Prior Authorization policy that could significantly improve the access to care and overall experience for their patients. Starting January 13, 2025 UHC will cover up to 6 visits of a member’s initial care plan without conducting a clinical review when the 6 visits take place with the first 8 weeks of the initial care plan for many outpatient therapy services for Medicare Advantage (MA) members.

HUNT VALLEY, MD – November 27, 2024 – As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that can sometimes lead to chronic pain conditions, affecting mobility, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. According to the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), released this month, chronic pain is a significant health concern for older adults, with nearly one in three  adults over the age of 65 reporting persistent pain. This chronic pain can be debilitating, often stemming from conditions like arthritis, back pain, or neuropathy, and can create challenges in maintaining independence and participating in social and recreational activities.

HUNT VALLEY, MD – November 21st, 2024 – 

HUNT VALLEY, MD – November 14th, 2024 – As the senior living sector continues to prioritize resident well-being, new research is shedding light on the importance of addressing frailty and other health risk factors early in the aging process. A study published this week in the Journal of American Medical Association highlights the critical role of frailty interventions in preventing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of dementia in older adults. The study emphasizes that early, targeted interventions, such as physical therapy, health education, and wellness programs, can significantly improve both physical and cognitive health outcomes. Let’s dive into exploring the key findings of this study and discuss how early integration of physical therapy, health education, wellness, and health literacy can enhance quality of care in senior living communities.

HUNT VALLEY, MD – August 21st, 2024 – National Senior Citizens Day, observed annually on August 21st, is a day dedicated to honoring the wisdom, experience, and invaluable contributions of our older generations. It’s a time to recognize the vital role that senior citizens play in our communities and reflect on how we can better support their health and well-being. At HealthPRO Heritage, our mission aligns perfectly with this celebration, as we strive to enhance the lives of senior citizens through comprehensive rehabilitation therapy services.

Wellness programming  is crucial for promoting physical health, fostering social connections, and enhancing overall quality of life. By engaging in tailored activities and education, seniors can maintain their independence and vitality, reduce the risk of age-related ailments and improve their emotional well-being.  In this blog, Julie Morckel, President of HealthPRO Heritage, Home and Community Life,  shares more about the benefits in the senior living environment.

In reflection of the past year, we're excited to share links to our 'Year in Review' highlighting the top attended webinars that have provided valuable insights and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of skilled nursing facilities.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the recent update on Caregiver Training Services (CTS) brings forth a wave of excitement and innovation. The CMS Calendar Year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule introduced new billable codes that signify a pivotal step towards recognizing and supporting caregivers in their crucial roles. Let’s explore the details of these new codes, their guidelines, and the potential impact they can have on patient care.

Today, we celebrate an incredible achievement within our team as Laura Henley, a dedicated Program Manager at Belmont Village of St. Matthews, co-authors a systematic review published in the esteemed American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Let’s shed some light on the Targeted Probe and Education (TPE) we are seeing around the 43 states HealthPRO Heritage (HPH) operates in today with the recent introduction of CMS's 5-Chart TPE process alongside existing Medicare Part A & B TPE initiatives. Let's delve into this topic with our own Vice President of Revenue Integrity, Diane Palacio, and how we at HealthPRO Heritage can help to prepare and safeguard our partners from the potential impact of such audits.