Tools & Resources

The CMS National Quality Strategy: A Person-Centered Approach to Improving Quality

“…Quality is integral to value, which is the highest quality care the most affordable cost. So, critical elements such as safety, person-centered care, integration of physical and behavioral health, and equity are all foundational components not only of quality, but of value as well. Quality, including driving better health outcomes, will be an essential part of value and deeply embedded in CMS policies and programs. The CMS National Quality Strategy will support the agency’s approach to value by increasing alignment across the quality reporting and value-based payment programs, accelerating the path toward value, and addressing upstream drivers of health…”

Read the article to find out more about CMS’s National Quality Strategy and the eight-core goals to better understand the strategic vision for quality in health care using a culture of quality and safety at every level.

IV Fluids Given for Nutrition or Hydration in the Hospital Affect Special Care High

When considering when to set the assessment reference date, do not forget IV fluids given in the hospital within the 7-day look-back period “while not a resident” may impact the Special Care High nursing category. Unlike the NTA component, which only captures IV fluids “while a resident” and requires more specific caloric and average fluid volume requirements, the parenteral/IV feeding qualifier for Special Care High is calculated from either K0510A1, “while not a resident” or K0510A2, “while a resident.” If documentation in the medical record supports IV feeding or fluids were delivered prior to admission for nutritional or hydration purposes, K0510A1 “while not a resident” can be coded, and the resident may achieve the Special Care High category regardless of caloric or fluid amounts.

RAI User’s Manual, page K-11, 6-36

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes: Fiscal Year 2023

Fiscal year 2023 ICD-10-CM diagnosis code files and guidelines are available on the 2023 ICD-10-CM webpage. These codes are effective for discharges and patient encounters on or after October 1, 2022.

The Five Star Preview Reports available June 17, 2022

To access these reports, select the CASPER Reporting link located on the CMS QIES Systems for Providers page. Once in the CASPER Reporting system, select the 'Folders' button, then select 'My Inbox' or the Inbox beginning with 'LTC' and the state abbreviation followed by a facility ID. The reports only remain in the QIES system for a short amount of time, so please save and/or print these reports for your records.

Nursing Home Care Compare will update with the June Five Star data on June 22, 2022.

Any inquiries should be directed to BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov, if the Help Line is not available.