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Melissa Cott

Recent Posts

Teach the Patient/Caregiver How to Take a Blood Pressure

The trained patient/caregiver is the best resource for identifying ineffective treatment.

Teaching the patient/caregiver to monitor the patient's blood pressure will contribute to a well-managed hypertension condition.

Posted by Melissa Cott on Jun 16, 2024

Rule #3 for Preventing Re-Hospitalization? Retire the Answering Machine.

Medicare rewards HHAs for LOW hospitalization rates, and punishes HHAs with high rates. For Medicare (and all payers for that matter), re-hospitalizations imply substandard care.

Posted by Melissa Cott on Jun 11, 2024

Rule #2 for Preventing Re-Hospitalization? Prepare Patient for Exacerbations.

Medicare charges hefty financial penalties to providers who send patients back to the hospital after a recent hospital admission. 

Posted by Melissa Cott on Jun 4, 2024

Rule #1 for Preventing Re-Hospitalization? There's Someone to Teach.

Preventing re-hospitalization is a critical goal for healthcare systems worldwide, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs. Central to achieving this objective is the presence of knowledgeable individuals who can effectively educate patients about...

Posted by Melissa Cott on May 21, 2024

OASIS-E O0110A: Are You Careplanning for Chemotherapy?

O0110. Special Treatments, Procedures, and Programs: Cancer Treatments

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is a complex and emotional journey, where one of the most critical aspects is planning for chemotherapy. Ensuring a comprehensive care plan is essential to manage the physical,...

Posted by Melissa Cott on May 14, 2024

If Patient is Wheelchair-Bound Complete OASIS-E GG0170 Accordingly

If your patient is wheelchair-bound AND will receive Physical Therapy, it is important to note which GG0170 assessment questions are applicable. It is ALSO important to note that if the patient will NOT be receiving physical therapy, GG0170 should be skipped or each question answered...

Posted by Melissa Cott on May 1, 2024

Parkinson's Disease: Manage 'Freezing' Episodes...Oral Care

Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting motor function, is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the US following Alzheimer's disease. Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to develop Parkinson's disease.

Posted by Melissa Cott on Apr 9, 2024

Teach Patients to Manage Insomnia

Managing Insomnia Helps Other Medical Problems

Helping patients to manage insomnia helps other medical problems, most significantly...

Posted by Melissa Cott on Apr 9, 2024