Full Course Description

Documentation Success in 5 Minutes or Less: The Platforms to Demonstrate Medical Necessity, Maximize Reimbursement & Eliminate Paybacks

Treating patients is your passion. But if you’re like me, the only hindrance to that passion is the time-consuming task of documentation.

The system you use to document supposedly makes this task easier with checked boxes and drop-down choices, but may hinder your skills and dampen your passion.

You find yourself spending longer documenting all your sessions at the end of the day instead of in real-time. You become frustrated, sloppy, and burnt-out as the day begins to bleed together and you forget objective and subjective data.

By doing so, your plan of care suffers, outcomes aren’t efficiently met, and you run the risk of increased pay-backs or audits to payer sources, including CMS.

But by learning the 5 platforms of documentation that I will share with you, you can spend 5 minutes or less during the actual treatment session documenting without reducing any hands-on time with your patient.

In addition, you will receive 2 required ethics hours to ensure you are documenting at the highest standard and protecting your clinical practice through real examples.

The secret is simple – avoid wasting time documenting incorrectly and return to your passion of treating patients successfully.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine how payers review documentation, who reviews documentation, and the general process of review.
Analyze the three documentation areas reviewed including good and bad examples in all three areas.
Assess the platforms required for documentation, how to avoid review, and what to do if a review is requested.
Demonstrate documentation examples with common therapeutic treatments utilizing the strategies learned.
Analyze each ethical principle in the code, the standard of conduct, and application of each principle through case studies.
Demonstrate the steps for reporting an ethics complaint or a compliance concern.

Outline

THE INS AND OUTS OF DOCUMENTATION & RECOVERY AUDITS CONTRACTOR (RAC)

Why reviews happen
Who reviews your paperwork
Identify red flags
- What to look for in billing
- What’s trending
- Similarities and differences of:
  - OP-Medicare B
  - Inpatient
  - Medicare A
  - HH
  - And more

THREE KEY AREAS TO REMEMBER TO AVOID DENIALS

Qualified clinician
Skilled level of care
Medical necessity

INTERACTIVE CASE STUDIES FOR AVOIDING DENIALS

Case #1: CHF exacerbation
Case #2: fall with pain
Case #3: ROM
Case #4: incontinence management

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE APPEAL PROCESS

What to do when additional documentation request (ADR) occurs
- Sample ADR
- The appeals process and timelines
- RAC, MAC, QIC, ALJ, Council, Judicial Review

5 PLATFORMS OF SUCCESSFUL DOCUMENTATION

The 5-platforms for faster yet more efficient reporting
Reduce unnecessary or over-documentation
Tips and tricks to remember

INTERACTIVE CASE STUDIES OF SUCCESSFUL DOCUMENTATION

Case #1: Joint mobilization
Case #2: gait/mobility therapy exercise
Case #3: transfer training
Case #4: class discussion of real-life examples

CODE OF ETHICS – HOW DOCUMENTATION RELATES

Purpose of the code (law vs. ethic)
- How the right documentation is the right thing to do
- How the code protects you, your patients, and your profession
Define each principle
- Standards of conduct for each principle
- Actual ethical examples of each principle
- Case studies
Case studies of ethical practices

STEPS FOR REPORTING

Compliance
License
Ethics
Corporate reporting vs. individual reporting

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapist Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Coding and Billing Personnel
Medical Records Personnel

Copyright : 11/08/2019

Rehabilitation Reimbursement & Documentation: Solutions to Avoid Costly Denials, Prove Medical Necessity & Protect YOUR Time

Everything you now are documenting has a time stamp and if it doesn’t add up, it could cost you your job. Mary had seen a patient earlier in the morning and hadn’t completed a daily note while with the patient. At the end of the day, she completed her note, but couldn’t remember the actual time she had spent with her patient. She logged her time with the patient from 11:00 am to 11:45 am and went home for the day.

Mary comes in the next morning and is met by the Rehab Director wanting to know how she saw her patient when the patient wasn’t even in the building. The patient had been taken to the hospital at 10:45, making it impossible for Mary to have seen the patient at the time she had written down. Mary is now under investigation for false documentation because she didn’t take the time to write down her actual time spent and she risks losing her job and her license.

Medical necessity is a big topic in our industry. It is a term that has adopted a variety of definitions and we are looking at an increase in inappropriately billed claims. We now must justify our clinical decisions while capturing treatment accurately and effectively. Audits have become everyday industry concerns as we face the allegations of “inappropriately billed” claims. There is an increased expectation to justify why we are providing services and why our clinical expertise is needed. The standards have changed, the challenges mount and patients still deserve the very best care.

This recording will provide a thorough understanding of medical necessity and a “how-to” guide for effective documentation. Whether you’re a therapist completing evaluations or an assistant completing progress notes, every area of therapy documentation is examined. Computerized documentation or paper versions will never replace the clinical decision making used to determine medical necessity.

Ongoing training and education are our biggest defenses to ensure our claims get paid for the therapy services the patients benefited from. Imagine being able to put your attention back on your patients, without fear of what you are missing in the documentation. Case studies focus on typical, everyday patient situations with opportunity for questions and discussion to enhance the learning experience.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze practical application of integrating company policies in accordance with the most recent government regulations.
Maximize time by documenting in a clear and concise manner.
Distinguish the importance of correct supportive documentation as part of the overall claim review.
Complete a case study review to form smart goals and daily notes that capture medical necessity.
Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the various types of definitions in determining skilled therapy services.
Evaluate documentation samples to learn how to minimize denials going forward.

Outline

Documentation And Medical Necessity

Medicare A and the upcoming changes around SNFs and home health
Medicare B and outpatient reimbursement
Managed care
ACOs/ bundled payments and the shift therapy deliver

Evaluations, Need & Reimbursement

Reasons for evaluation and how to justify medical necessity
Prior level of function and what key components to include
Co-morbidities/Complexities and how they will impact reimbursement
Goal writing and what to add to make it measurable

Critical Terminology: What It Means To Your Documentation

Determining medical necessity
Rehab terminology that must be included in your daily documentation
Skilled vs. unskilled terminology

Supportive Documentation

Case study: Break down the components of the treatment plan
Pitfalls to avoid
Drop-down menus are not your friend
If you didn’t write it, it didn’t happen

Coding and Diagnoses

CPT codes and what will get you paid
Avoiding “Red Flag” codes and why they are denying them
Diagnoses that won’t get you paid

Denial Management

Understanding RAC, MAC, ADR, denials, and ZPIC audits
Reasons for denials: Top 10 reasons we are not getting paid
Quality assurance audits used to decrease unpaid claims

Target Audience

Occupational Therapists
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists
Nursing Home Administrators
Billing/Finance Department Staff

Copyright : 03/28/2019

Ethics in Therapy: Protecting Me, My Clients, & My Profession

With increased scrutiny on the medical industry, ethical and legal protection has been pushed to the forefront of practice. This session will take a deep look into the purpose of the code and how it may protect you…legally. We will explore each principle in the code and examine real ethical case examples of clinicians and the consequences of adhering or not adhering to the code. We will also discuss how you can report an ethical issue, a compliance concern, or a licensing concern through the proper channels while protecting yourself. By attending this session, you will gain a strong understanding of ethics beyond just a “code”.

Program Information

Objectives

Demonstrate the purpose of a code of ethics and the difference between ethics and law
Assess each ethical principle in the code, the standard of conduct, and the application of each principle through case studies
Demonstrate the steps for reporting an ethics complaint, a licensing concern, or a compliance concern

Outline

Purpose of a Code of Ethics

Two-fold purpose
Free-standing guide
Purpose of a “code”
Law versus ethics
- CFR
- State Law
- Administrative rule
Is the code Law in your state?

Ethical Principles

Identify each principle
Standards of conduct
Application of each principle through case studies

Steps for Reporting

Compliance reporting (entity, corporation)
- Actual compliance reporting example
- Confidentiality vs anonymity
License reporting (individual)
Ethics reporting (association)

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech/Language Pathologist
Athletic Trainer

Copyright : 07/29/2020

Myofascial Cupping Therapy: Obtaining Rapid Return of Functional Mobility

Learn evidence-based cupping therapy techniques for releasing scar tissue and fascial adhesions, managing trigger points, improving circulation and relieving pain. You’ll leave this session with the knowledge of how to apply cupping therapy and specialized manual therapy tools into program design to treat a variety of clinical conditions…with measurable results! Create raving fans of clients who benefit from enhanced flexibility and function.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine and benefits of cupping therapy
Investigate the indications, contraindications, and precautions for cupping therapy
Assess the evidence-based research for cupping therapy
Apply of cupping therapy as part of program design to treat a variety of clinical conditions to promote mobility and functional outcomes

Outline

Cupping Therapy

History of negative pressure
Equipment safety
Infection control
Precautions
Indications and contraindications
Myofascial release principles
Evidence-based research

Application of Cupping Therapy

Medical cupping applications
Demonstrations: skin glide, scare release
Program design for specific clinical conditions
Case study: cupping for adhesive capsulitis

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapist Assistants
Athletic Trainers
Massage Therapists

Copyright : 07/31/2020

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) – An Emerging Breakthrough in Rehab Care

Learn about the greatest innovation for rehab providers in the 21st century. Discover how blood flow restriction training bio-hacks the body to achieve considerable increases in muscle size and strength while exercising with very light loads.

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate the evidence supporting blood flow restriction training
Assess the populations with most to benefit from BFR
Demonstrate safe and effective placement of BFR cuffs

Outline

Evidence Supporting Blood Flow Restriction Training

Origins
Research trends
Latest meta analyses

Populations who benefit the most from BFR

Post-op, painful/load compromised, athletic endurance athletes
Validated with scientific evidence
Uses across sports medicine continuum

How Blood Flow Restriction Training Works

Muscle cell physiology
- Metabolic pathways
- Hypertrophy/strength timelines
- Energy systems
- Mechanical vs metabolic stimulus
- Force-velocity relationship
- Muscle fiber recruitment

Local skeletal muscle adaptions

Cell swelling
Metabolite induced fatigue
Satellite cell proliferation
Hypoxia
Bone growth

Systematic adaptions

Cardiovascular system regulation
Pressor reflex
VO2max
VEGF
Soft tissue repair
Tendon repair
Muscle damage
Reduced pain

Indications and Contraindications of BFRT

Relative vs absolute contraindications
Thrombus and tPA

Placement of BFR Cuffs

Tourniquet and Doppler application
Avoidable tourniquet risks
Importance of LOP assessment

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers

Copyright : 07/30/2020

Tai Chi to Improve Function & Prevent Falls

Due to the high risks of falls in the elderly, rehab professions must explore effective, proven methods that decrease the risk for falls. Tai Chi combines low-impact exercises you can easily use safely with patients. The practice puts profound emphasis on breathing, relaxing, and focusing the mind in specific postures. Benefits include improving flexibility/balance to prevent falls, reducing stress/anxiety, strengthening the cardiovascular system, decreasing chronic pain and recovering from injuries/surgeries faster.

Using a combination of clinical therapy skills, personal training experience, and expertise in Tai Chi, Ralph will equip you with the relevant tools and techniques to incorporate into your patients’ treatment plans. Adding this reimbursable therapy to your toolbox will immediately enable you to provide an additional modality to enhance patients’ stability, flexibility, core strength, posture, balance, and coordination.

This training opportunity is a MUST if you work with patients who need easily adaptable and non-invasive exercises—and an opportunity to practice Tai Chi.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the history of Tai Chi and its relevancy in the rehab clinical setting.
Articulate the link between chronic arthritis pain and fall risk.
Define the international fall reduction statistics directly related to Tai Chi programs.
Apply the basic styles of Sun style of Tai Chi by the end of the course to strengthen clients’ flexibility, core, and balance.

Outline

Relevancy of Tai Chi in the Clinical Setting

History of Tai Chi
Different styles
Clinical applications

Fall Reduction

Link between chronic arthritis pain and fall risk
International fall reduction directly related to Tai Chi programs

Applying the Movements

Sun, Yang, and Chen styles of Tai Chi
Strengthen flexibility, core and balance
Therapeutic benefits

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Athletic Trainers

Dyslexia Treatment Made Easy

Do you find yourself shifting from in-person to virtual services with little time to plan? Are you or parents overwhelmed and underprepared on how to help children at home?

If you answered yes, this course is for you!

Help parents achieve follow through with recommendations for school to home activities.

You’ll learn how to use a simple cooking activity to improve visual memory for following written directions, tangram puzzles to decrease letter reversals, the license plate game to improve figure ground, such as finding words when scanning a book, and much more! By the end of this workshop you’ll feel confident and empowered to identify a child’s learning needs, gain strategies for dyslexia that will make a positive impact, and develop in-person or virtual treatment goals for academic success!

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish the need for reading remediation vs functional cognitive retraining to improve treatment plan.
Develop 3 visual strategies for dyslexia to improve reading comprehension.
Apply 3 auditory strategies for dyslexia to follow verbal directions.
Determine everyday activities to improve executive cognitive function to support overall memory, interpreting what is seen and hand/eye coordination.

Outline

Neurodevelopment Etiology of Dyslexia

Language functions of the brain and its association with dyslexia

The Power of Observation

Dyslexia screening tool
Case scenario- Use your powers of observation to differentiate between a person who needs remedial reading verses intervention for dyslexia
How to turn avoidance into a treatment plan

Dyslexia is Not Just About Reading!

Executive cognitive function developmental
Overview required for reading success

Strategies, Interventions & Coaching for Learning Success

Visual
Auditory
Visual motor (hands on activities)
Modifications
Time demands

Waiting on Testing? Gain Positive Outcomes In the Meantime!

Practical in-person and virtual treatment ideas to use now
Practical everyday activities for parents

Target Audience

Occupational Therapists
Regular Classroom Teachers
Special Education Teachers
Speech-Language Pathologists
School Psychologists
School Counselors
School Social Workers
Reading Specialists
Teacher Aides

Dissecting the Brain-Gut Connection for Complex Trauma Disorder, Autism, & ADHD

With current research advances in neurology, we must revisit the evidence for best practice and enhance intervention techniques for addressing the challenges of Complex Trauma Disorder, Autism, ADHD, and related disorders. This session reviews the nine neurological senses, neuronal oscillations, and autonomic neuronal plexuses to better understand symptomatology. This session will give specific focus to the various central nervous system plexuses and the role of the Vagus nerve. Active learning strategies will include video neuroanatomical reviews and case examples. You will be able to describe the various neurological structures related to the nine senses, describe neuronal oscillations and their connection to function, relate current research on the neuronal plexuses to function and dysfunction of individuals with Complex Trauma Disorder, Autism, ADHD, and related disorders.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the diagnoses and the various neurological structures related to the 9 senses.
Assess neuronal oscillations and their connection to function.
Apply current research on the neuronal plexuses to function and dysfunction of individuals with complex trauma disorder, autism & ADHD.

Outline

Review the diagnoses and the various neurological structures related to the 9 senses
- Neurological Review
- Autonomic Nervous System and its connection to psychosocial health related to stress, fear, and trauma
Define and describe neuronal oscillations and their connection to function
- Current Research: Neuronal Brain Oscillations/ Autonomic Neuronal Plexuses
- How to implement the Self-Regulation and Mindfulness and Contextual Sensory Integration Approach
Relate and apply current research on the neuronal plexuses to function and dysfunction of individuals with complex trauma disorder, autism, & ADHD
- Review of the neuronal plexus
- Video examples of children to link content reviewed to symptoms and appropriate intervention.
- Case study review to develop an intervention plan

Target Audience

Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech-Language Pathologists
Physical Therapists

Primitive Reflex Integration Through Neuroplasticity Treatment Techniques

Therapists frequently see primitive reflex patterns in pediatric cases. Sensory experiences govern primitive reflexes. When treatment is directed around the level of the lesion, integration begins. Rather than management of symptoms alone, neuroplasticity provides effective tools to place primitive reflex patterns in the background of the nervous system, allowing more voluntary movement.

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish where and why spastic patterns are demonstrated and how to apply neuroplasticity techniques
Assess the neurological system of the pediatric patient to form a basis of therapeutic neuromotor rewiring around damaged areas
Determine how to treat with neuroplasticity techniques to decrease the tone of spastic patterns to allow active movements

Outline

Function Related to Neurological Anatomy

Brain and brain stem anatomy
CNS lobes and layers related to function
Why spastic patterns are demonstrated
How to apply neuroplasticity techniques

Neurological System of the Pediatric Patient

Neurological damage effects relating to specific regions of the brain and brain stem
Instruction related to specific area of the CNS
Demonstration of neurological patterns
Form a basis of therapeutic neuromotor rewiring around damaged areas

Change Connections in the CNS

Target brain regions to treat
Neuroplasticity techniques to decrease the tone of spastic patterns and allow active movements
Relate simple treatments for use in home programs

Target Audience

Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Athletic Trainers
Speech/Language Pathologist