How to Prove RDN Value in Post-Acute Long-Term Care

As a result of advancing their nutrition-related skills, dietitians in post-acute long-term care (PALTC) facilities have positioned themselves as major contributors to revenue enhancement in the nursing facility arena. Under the patient driven payment model (PDPM), the dietitian plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition, morbid obesity, and chewing and swallowing function. The RDN also participates in revenue-generating dedicated programs for in-house dialysis, respiratory/trach services, enteral and parenteral treatment, bariatric units, Alzheimer's and dementia treatment programs and in-house wellness.

The presenters for this program introduce you to real life stories in post acute facilities - including profiling a small group of RDNs who increased annual revenues up to $4 million, all while improving care and increasing visibility and value of dietitian services. It's not your grandmother's nursing home any more! The contributions and value of the RDN in PALTC are drastically changing. Please join us for this session to learn how you can be a part of this incredible transformation.

Planned with the Dietetics in Health Care Communities Dietetic Practice Group

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 3.2.5 Educates employer and the public on RDN and NDTR roles, as well as the benefits of receiving care from RDNs and NDTRs.
• 2.3.4 Identifies opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with individuals or organizations with shared visions.
• 7.4.6 Analyzes data to identify trends and improvements and to determine cost-effectiveness of nutrition-related clinical care, or to support the delivery of health, food and nutrition services.

Learning Objectives

• Identify nutrition factors influencing patient outcomes and facility revenue under the patient-driven payment model, including malnutrition, obesity, dysphagia, enteral/parenteral feedings and more, in post-acute long-term care.
• Demonstrate how the RDN can work with the healthcare team to effectively integrate PDPM factors into the nutrition assessment, care plan and overall patient-centered care.
• Describe how to increase the value of dietitian services through revenue enhancement in the PALTC and effectively communicate this impact to facility/corporate leadership.

Moderator

• Sue Linja

Speakers

• DD McBride
• Ellen Turk