September 01, 2010
Implementation of MDS 3.0 & RUG-IV
With changes to Medicare RUG-IV payment and requirements for MDS 3.0 assessments to be used for NYS Medicaid case mix, SNF facility reimbursement will be in jeopardy without strong training and knowledgeable staff. Are you ready?
A Problematic Transition to RUG-IV Expected
Analyzing the Financial Impact of RUG-IV
MDS 3.0 Training Update
Therapy Cap Exception Process Reinstated
Sheryl Rosenfield Selected as CMS Trainer
Therapy Caps 2010 - UPDATE

National Provider Identifier
  National Provider Identifier Information Center - The Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated the adoption of a standard unique identifier for health care providers. SNFs will need to acquire and use their new NPI number no later tha May 2007. Click on the link to read further.
Therapy CCI Edits
  Effective January 1, 2006 The "Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits" will now apply to all SNF Part B Therapy claims. SNFs are encouraged to review this notice to get an understanding of the new edits. We believe these edits will/should be made part of your billing software. Check with your software vendor on the readiness of your billing system.
Survey & Certification - General Information
  General information on survey and certification requirements.



(You must log in to the client only section to view links in this section.)
SNF page at CMS
  SNF page contains links to: SNF Federal Registers, SNF Program Transmitals and more...
Consolidated Billing Exclusion List
  A Link to CMS web based resource to determine if a service is EXCLUDED from SNF consolidated billing. The services found in this list are services typically rendered by physicians. If the HCPCS code in question is NOT on this list, the SNF is responsible for payment in a Part A stay. Choose "YEAR Carrier Update" in the menu bar to the left then download "File 1" to view the list of PHYSICIAN EXCLUSIONS for the year chosen. For CB services rendered in a hospital environment download the "YEAR FI Update" file.
Medicare Excluded Practioner List
  The HHS Office of Inspector General is charged with the responsibility of maintaining and publishing a list of individuals and companies that have been banned from servicing Medicare and Medicaid residents. Medicare providers must consult this list as part of their “due diligence” before hiring or contracting with individuals/companies that may have been banned from the program. Click on the above link to go directly to the online database.
HCPCS Fee Lookup Utility
  This CMS web page allows facilities to lookup the fee price for a HCPCS code. Follow the on screen instructions to operate.
Beneficiary Notices Initiative
  Link to CMS master database of commonly used forms.
Supplemental Compliance Program Guidance
  Download and read OIG's updated compliance program guidance for SNFs. This new release takes into account Medicare and Medicaid nursing facility payment systems and regulations, evolving industry practices, current enforcement priorities (including the Government’s heightened focus on quality of care), and lessons learned in the area of nursing facility compliance.
Consolidated Billing "Other Services" Exclusion List
  A Link to CMS web based resource to determine if a service is EXCLUDED from SNF consolidated billing. The services found in this list are services rendered by providers OTHER than physicians. For example CAT Scans, MRI, Chemotherapy, Prosthetics etc. If the HCPCS code in question is NOT on this list, the SNF is responsible for payment in a Part A stay. Choose "YEAR FI Update" in the menu bar to the left then download "update file" to view the list of NON-PHYSICIAN EXCLUSIONS for the year chosen.