Test your knowledge

Test your knowledge questions:

1) A resident displays an increase in confusion and a UA with C&S showing >=100,000 CFU/mL of Klebsiella. The resident has no other noted symptoms and they are unable to describe any symptoms due to advanced dementia. A catheter is not present. The physician diagnosed a UTI and started the resident on antibiotics. Related to the requirement that the resident meets evidence-based (McGeer: One of the following criteria must be met: A- The resident does not have an indwelling urinary catheter and has at least three of the following signs and symptoms: Fever (>38ºC) or chills. New or increased burning pain on urination, frequency or urgency) criteria, should this be coded as a UTI on the MDS?

2) Should the SNF ABN 10055 be issued to ALL residents who are admitted to a facility, but are not using his/her skilled benefit?

3) A resident on Medicare Part A for skilled therapy could not participate in therapy for a few consecutive days due to the hemoglobin and hematocrit being too low and receiving blood transfusions. Will the transfusions cover the resident for skilled nursing during the time therapy was missed?

4) When a resident who elected hospice switches to a different hospice company, is a Significant Change in Status Assessment required?

5) What are the guidelines or protocols to use sepsis as the principal diagnosis in MDS?

Moments in History

• In 1991, CDC established its Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) to provide advice on the practice of infection control.

• In 1996, Infection control was upgraded by the Health Care Financing Administration (now Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) from a standard under sanitary environment to a separate Condition of Participation.