Language Fundamentals had the pleasure of participating in the 50th NY ACHCA Chapter convention this week at its new venue, the Resort World Catskill.

Since the FY 2019 CMS Final Rule has been finalized, it means the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) is coming and SNF stakeholders must now adapt. Attending events like this one allows us the unique opportunity to both attend educational sessions and gain the perspective of the attendees during networking.

Here’s some of what we observed:

1. PDPM – SNF providers are accepting the fact that PDPM is coming in October 2019 and are now getting ready.  I wouldn’t just look at a numerical analysis of how your RUG scores would translate into PDPM. I recommend having a trained clinical expert guide your SNF through the transition to PDPM.

2. Speech Therapy – SNF Operators need to look very closely at the Speech Department.  There’s a great deal of reimbursement on the line in the SLP category under PDPM and the cost of doing it wrong will be significant. Consider utilizing a speech expert, like Language Fundamentals, to do a Speech Department analysis.  We’d be glad to help.

3. State Budget – March is always the month of State budget crunches. Medicaid dollars are at stake and associations like NYSHFA are fighting hard on behalf of the members.  Changes to Medicaid CMI are putting even more stress on the system

4. Telemedicine- Industry stakeholders support increasing access to telepractice to provides services, especially for patients with complex needs. However, there is a feeling that the technology is there, the regulations are an obstacle.

Lots of exciting stuff.  We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment box below.

Would you like to talk about how Language Fundamentals can provide the best Speech Therapy available to your SNF?  Let’s talk.