HCS, LLC Medicare PPS for Skilled Nursing Facilities

Healthcare Consulting Services, LLC (HCS), can provide hospital-based SNFs and freestanding Medicare-certified nursing facilities with a wide range of services that will assist them in analyzing the reimbursement and operational impact of Medicare PPS. By considering various strategic alternatives and establishing internal systems to improve both operational and financial performance, most facilities will be able to successfully navigate the four-year transition to SNF PPS.

At HCS, we have found that many SNFs do not have the necessary systems or resources to support:

	Capturing or tracking costs by resident or resident type
	Managing the MDS process and appropriate classification of residents
	Aggressively managing the ancillary utilization
	Negotiating optimal contract terms with ancillary suppliers
	Managing multiple invoices from suppliers
	Handling delays in cash flow caused by late invoices
	Handling delays in cash flow caused by the MDS assessment window

HCS’ staff has extensive financial, operational and regulatory experience in skilled nursing and hospital settings. We will review all aspects of a facility’s financial performance and clinical and billing operations that are impacted by the change to SNF PPS. Based on our analysis, we will suggest various scenarios and make specific recommendations about strategies and systems for managing under PPS. On request, we will assist in contract negotiations, coding and billing training, general PPS training and MDS and billing audits.

Often a PPS Preparation Review will identify other opportunities for improvement in operational and financial performance such as:

	Staffing levels and mix
	Accounts receivable management
	Clinical pathways/protocols
	Operational outsourcing
	In-house billing assistance

HCS’s staff is knowledgeable and skilled in assisting facilities in these areas. For more information about preparing for Medicare SNF PPS, call Pauline Clark at (317) 633-4708, Ext. 403 e-mail at pclark@hcs-healthcare.com.

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