Working From the Neck Up in a “DEcapitated” Environment
I can’t read the word “capitation” now without thinking of the word “decapitation.” As a Speech Language Pathologist that works primarily from the neck up (Swallowing, speaking, cognition, and language) this image always used to make me chuckle but less so now. ...
Performing FEES on Alzheimer’s Dementia Patients: 3 Tools
A FEES test is an instrumental exam used to assess if, how well, and what a patient can safely swallow. During the procedure, a highly trained speech-language pathologist (SLP) passes a thin, flexible transnasal-pharyngascope through the patient’s nose to view...
Speech Therapy’s Skill in Coding Cognitive Impairment Beyond the BIMs
The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) has changed how many of us identify cognitive impairments. From a reimbursement standpoint, it has led many to assume that reimbursement for cognition is solely dependent on a patient score <13 on the BIMs. Just because you...SLP Component PDPM Rates: Moving in the Right Direction?
October is the time of year that the new SNF reimbursement rates become effective. After a considerable amount of flux between the FY 2023 Proposed Rule and the Final Rule, CMS gave a modest increase to SNFs. The key changes in the FY 2023 Final Rule include an...
3 Tips for Feeding Patients with Dementia
Skilled nursing facility staffing in the wake of the pandemic and the great resignation has been a struggle. This is irrespective if your building is a large metropolitan facility or a small rural building. Each SNF has its unique difficulties and ways of...Our Dedicated Speech Pathologists:
