Good to see you! It was great to see familiar faces and meet new ones at the recent IAHSA Fall Conference as well as the IHCA Conference and Trade Show. We wish to congratulate Amy Calderone, ED, of Arborwood Living Center in Granger for winning our door prize at the IHCA Trade Show. Theracare is a proud and active supporter of these associations.

Is your facility in compliance with the new fast-track review process? There appears to be a great deal of confusion regarding the new fast-track review process with many caught unaware of all of the requirements of the new regulation. Hopefully, this summary will help.

2006 is Nearing. Is your SNF prepared for Part B Therapy billing changes? There are two major changes that will impact the way your facility delivers and is reimbursed for Part B Therapy services in 2006. One change is a certainty; the other is still the subject of a lot of debate. Hopefully, the following updates will help your facility be prepared.

Medicare therapy cap. Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare recipients will be faced with having their physical therapy benefits capped regardless of their need or medical condition. There has been legislation introduced to repeal the Medicare cap-the “Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act” (H.R. 916/S.438).

What is wellness with the geriatric population? Many people and companies claim they have wellness programs however with further review most wellness programs provide only a small aspect of wellness to clients which is usually strength training. Currently in Indiana most wellness programs that are seen in assisted living facilities include exercise programs for muscle strengthening through use of exercise machines. Wellness programs that are comprehensive include so much more than physical health and strengthening.

Winter reading list. With fall here and winter around the corner (yuk), I’m putting together a stack of books I intend to read now that my gardening/yard work days are all but over. I thought I’d share with you a few books you might want to put on your winter reading list this year as well.