Section GG: Where Clinical Accuracy Meets Financial Performance
Insights from Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC – Director of Reimbursement and Education, Pathway Health As skilled leaders recognize, the Minimum Data Set (MDS) is foundational to reimbursement accuracy—and Section GG sits at the center of that process. Section GG captures a resident’s functional performance at admission and discharge and directly...
EHR Optimization Is No Longer Optional in Today’s Long-Term Care and Senior Living Organizations
Insights from Keri Wlaschin, LPN, Director of Project Management at Pathway Health Electronic health record optimization is not about changing systems—it’s about making the system you already own work smarter and harder for your organization. Most nursing homes begin with an initial EHR implementation that is out-of-the-box or configured at a basic level, which is...
American Heart Month: Supporting Heart Health in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care
Each February, American Heart Month serves as an important reminder of the impact cardiovascular disease has on individuals, families, and care teams across the country. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and its prevalence is especially significant among older adults and individuals receiving post-acute and long-term care services. For...
Clinical Competency in Assisted Living
Insights from Colleen Toebe, MSN, CWCN, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, DNS MT – Vice President of Clinical Services As the senior living landscape rapidly evolves, leaders across assisted living, home and community-based services, and post-acute care are navigating rising expectations and increasingly complex resident needs. Older adults are choosing to age in place, bringing higher acuity, multiple chronic...
Assessment Accuracy Is Strategy: Why MDS Excellence Defines Nursing Home Success in 2026
Insights from Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC – Director of Reimbursement and Education Nursing home leaders are operating in an environment defined by complexity, transparency, and accountability. Regulatory expectations continue to evolve, reimbursement models grow more sophisticated, and public reporting increasingly shapes reputation and market position. In this reality, Minimum Data Set...
ARD: A Leadership Imperative for Accurate Reimbursement and Compliance
Selecting the Assessment Reference Date (ARD) for the Medicare 5-Day and Interim Payment Assessment (IPA) is one of the most consequential decisions in the MDS process. Yet, it is often treated as a routine task rather than a strategic one. In today’s complex reimbursement environment, ARD selection directly influences payment accuracy, compliance integrity, and an...
New PATHTalks: Emergency Preparedness in Long-Term Care
Insights from Dan Billings– Chief Innovation Officer Natural disasters are no longer rare, once-in-a-lifetime events. They are increasing in frequency, severity, and geographic reach, posing significant risks to senior care organizations across the country. With dramatic spikes beginning in the 1960s and rising sharply over the last 50 years, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and severe storms are...
Regulatory Recap: Changes to the Post-Acute and Long-Term Landscape
The new year is here, and the regulatory landscape for post-acute and long-term care continues to evolve rapidly. From updated CMS guidance to shifting standards and expanded quality reporting expectations, facilities must stay ahead of changes that directly influence compliance, reimbursement, and quality outcomes. Today, we are sharing a brief overview of key updates shaping...
F-645 PASARR: Tips for Compliance & Success
Insights from Nancy Foss, RN, BSN – Director of Regulatory and Consulting Services As skilled nursing facilities face rising admissions of younger residents, individuals with complex mental health needs, and those requiring specialized behavioral supports, F645 PASARR compliance has become a leading focus for surveyors nationwide. Yet, many facilities still misunderstand or misapply the regulation—placing them at...
Thriving Under Medicaid Case Mix: A Positive Path Forward for Nursing Home Leaders
Insights from Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC – Director of Reimbursement and Education Across the country, nursing homes are experiencing a major shift as more states implement Medicaid case-mix reimbursement systems. While change can feel overwhelming, this transition also opens the door for clearer alignment between the care you provide and the...