Driving Excellence in Skilled Nursing: Strengthening MDS Accuracy for Compliance, Quality, and Resident Outcomes
Insights from: Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC – Director of Reimbursement and Education Why MDS Accuracy Matters More Than EverToday’s skilled nursing environment is under unprecedented scrutiny. A recent OIG report found that 43% of resident falls with major injury and hospitalization were not reported in Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. These...
Pathway Health’s Geri-Res Helping New Nurses Thrive in Long-Term Care
The transition from the classroom to the field for new nursing graduates entering long-term care comes with a steep learning curve, often marked by high expectations, complex resident needs, and a fast-paced environment. That’s where Pathway Health’s Geri-Res Long-Term Care Nurse Residency Program comes in. This innovative, evidence-based program is specifically designed to bridge the...
Accurate MDS Coding: A Strategic Imperative for Revenue Optimization and Quality Outcomes
Insights from: Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC – Director of Reimbursement and Education In today’s skilled nursing facility (SNF) environment, Directors of Nursing and Nursing Home Administrators face the dual challenge of ensuring exceptional resident care while maintaining financial sustainability. At the center of this balance lies one often underestimated process:...
Sepsis Awareness Month: Recognizing the Signs, Saving Lives in Long-Term Care
Every September, we observe Sepsis Awareness Month to bring attention to one of the most urgent and life-threatening medical conditions facing older adults in long-term and post-acute care settings. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and, if not treated quickly, death. According to the...
Raising Awareness & Promoting Enhanced Care for World Alzheimer’s Day
Every year on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day raises awareness, reduces stigma, and honors the millions of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As one of the most common causes of cognitive decline in older adults, Alzheimer’s impacts not only memory and function but also the very fabric of...
Survey-Ready, Every Day: A Playbook for SNF Administrators & DONs
Insights from: Lisa Thomson, BA, LNHA, HSE, CIMT, Chief Operating Officer, Pathway Health There’s nothing better than the quiet confidence a team feels when surveyors arrive. That confidence isn’t accidental—it’s built through clear habits, simple tools, and steady coaching. From my seat as a leader, survey readiness is less about “gearing up” and more about...
See You at the WALA Workforce Symposium!
Pathway Health will attend the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association’s (WALA) Workforce Symposium on September 23, 2025, in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Our team members look forward to this excellent opportunity to meet fellow attendees and share our workforce solutions and resources that help them collaborate, learn, and lead with confidence. Let’s Connect! Stop by the Pathway Health...
Navigating the Risks of the CMS Special Focus Facility Watchlist: A Call to Proactive Leadership
For nursing facility providers, few notifications carry the weight and consequence of being added to the CMS Special Focus Facility (SFF) Watchlist. It’s not merely a regulatory designation—it’s a public signal that a facility has persistently failed to meet federal standards of care. The implications are immediate, far-reaching, and often devastating. Understanding the SFF Watchlist...
National Preparedness Month: Obtain Resources & Tools
National Preparedness Month takes place every September. For care organizations, providers must strengthen their readiness for extreme weather and emerging threats. In these settings, disruptions from storms, floods, power loss, or evacuations can severely impact vulnerable residents and operations. Storm Ready Risk Management Service (STORM)Pathway Health’s Storm Ready Risk Management Service (STORM) offers tailored, facility-level...