Cassie Friedenberger, Author at LW Consulting, Inc.

The Cost of Overlooking Monthly Exclusion Checks

Cassie Friedenberger — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:36:52 +0000

On September 29, 2025, a home health company in Arizona, agreed to pay $20,000 to settle allegations of violating the Civil Monetary Penalties Law (CMPL). The Office of Inspector General (OIG) alleged that the home health company employed an excluded individual—someone prohibited from participating in any Federal health care program—as a home health aide. The individual’s services were allegedly billed to these programs, triggering the violation. While $20,000 may seem modest in comparison to larger…

The post The Cost of Overlooking Monthly Exclusion Checks appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Are You Aware of the MDS Validation Program?

Cassie Friedenberger — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:14:18 +0000

Hopefully, you (and your Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinator or Resident Nurse Assessment Coordinator (RNAC)) are aware of the importance of checking the Validation Reports after submitting MDS assessments. This has always been the expectation and best practice to find any errors in a timely manner, make corrections, and ensure that MDS submissions are accurate and accepted. If you are in the habit of checking your Validation Reports in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation…

The post Are You Aware of the MDS Validation Program? appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Strengthening Medical Director Roles in Skilled Nursing: A Timely Look Ahead

Cassie Friedenberger — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:33:00 +0000

Medical directors are central to the clinical integrity of skilled nursing facilities—but how involved are they, really? While federal regulations outline specific responsibilities, there’s growing concern that the roles of medical directors are inconsistently defined, poorly documented, or limited in practice. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI), has launched a federal review to assess how medical directors are engaged—and how that engagement…

The post Strengthening Medical Director Roles in Skilled Nursing: A Timely Look Ahead appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

A Review of Medicare Part B Therapy Maintenance Programs and the Use of the KX Modifier

Cassie Friedenberger — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0000

As the months of 2025 pass, the importance of thorough documentation and adherence to regulatory standards has never been greater, particularly for those providing services under Medicare Part B. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on therapy services, especially regarding the application of the KX modifier and the implementation of maintenance therapy programs. These components are vital in ensuring that patients receive the skilled care they need, even when that care extends beyond the…

The post A Review of Medicare Part B Therapy Maintenance Programs and the Use of the KX Modifier appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Executive Coaching in the Nonprofit and Government Sectors

Cassie Friedenberger — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:17:18 +0000

Leadership in nonprofit and government sectors continues to be demanding and challenging. Executive coaching can assist leaders in developing the necessary skills to improve professional performance. This white paper explores the role of executive coaching in supporting leaders in nonprofit organizations and government agencies. It examines benefits, evidence, and best practices while offering sector-specific recommendations for effective implementation. To learn more or schedule a discovery session, contact Nikki Oliver at NOliver@LW-Consult.com or call (207) 508-2988.

The post Executive Coaching in the Nonprofit and Government Sectors appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Purpose-Driven Training: The Power of Directed In-Services

Cassie Friedenberger — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:33:22 +0000

If you work in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Pennsylvania, you already know how stressful surveys can be. One day, everything seems to be running smoothly, and the next, you’re navigating a citation that could have serious consequences for your team and your residents. It’s a tough spot to be in, but there is a way forward. That’s where Directed In-services come into play — and they’re more than just a checkbox on your…

The post Purpose-Driven Training: The Power of Directed In-Services appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Empowered Leadership, Meaningful Impact: Insights from the 2025 LeadingAge PA Annual Conference

Cassie Friedenberger — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:37:16 +0000

LW Consulting, Inc. (LWCI) had the pleasure of attending the 2025 LeadingAge PA Annual Conference & Expo. This year’s theme was IMPACT – the impact that we have on our peers and the future of aging services. The conference kicked off with an incredible keynote by Ryan Leak on his book “Leveling Up: 7 Questions for Next-Level Leadership.” He discussed identifying personal success and the questions that you need to ask yourself to “level up.”…

The post Empowered Leadership, Meaningful Impact: Insights from the 2025 LeadingAge PA Annual Conference appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Update on the Hertel & Brown Case: Guilty Pleas, Trial Outcomes, and What Therapy Clinics Need to Learn

Cassie Friedenberger — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:00:54 +0000

Significant developments have occurred since the March 2025 blog on “The Hertel & Brown Case: Harsh Reminders for Therapy Clinics.” The federal case against Hertel & Brown Physical and Aquatic Therapy has reached a turning point. With guilty pleas from the owners and sentencing dates approaching, this case is no longer just about uncovering fraud; it is about what the fallout means for outpatient therapy clinics across the country. Key Developments Guilty Pleas from Leadership…

The post Update on the Hertel & Brown Case: Guilty Pleas, Trial Outcomes, and What Therapy Clinics Need to Learn appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Updates on MDS Diagnoses as of October 1, 2024: Important Information, Including Details on Sepsis

Cassie Friedenberger — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:55:24 +0000

Starting October 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented updates to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) that directly affect how diagnoses are captured and coded in Section I, Active Diagnoses. These updates matter because they impact reimbursement, care planning, and regulatory compliance. If you have not revisited your diagnosis coding process recently, now is the time. Who is Qualified to Diagnose, and Where to Find these Diagnoses? Understanding who can diagnose…

The post Updates on MDS Diagnoses as of October 1, 2024: Important Information, Including Details on Sepsis appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..

Open Payment™ Database – Is Your Organization Prepared for the June 30 Release?

Cassie Friedenberger — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:58:47 +0000

June 30 marks an important milestone in healthcare transparency: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases updates to the Open Payments™ Database. The Open Payments™ Database houses information on payments made to physicians and teaching hospitals by drug, device, biological, and medical supply manufacturers—known as Reporting Entities. This is important because it fosters transparency of financial relationships by disclosing payments made by pharmaceutical and medical device companies to physicians. It is a backstop…

The post Open Payment™ Database – Is Your Organization Prepared for the June 30 Release? appeared first on LW Consulting, Inc..