Blog entries

Being a Speech Pathologist Means...

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:22:00 +0100

As many of you who have attended the workshops know, Pamela Crouch, M.A., CCC-SLP is my partner in the Speech Team, and my best friend. Her faith in our profession and in the care we provide to patients in crisis are real and enduring. I hope her poem gives you strength in your life and profession as she has given to me." Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP

From Pamela Crouch, M.A., CCC-SLP:

When instructing student interns from the univer...

Accountability and the RAC teams:

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:16:13 +0100

As we have entered into the Medicare reform rollout period, which began last October 1, 2011, our lives are now characterized by increased stress due to company requested higher productivity levels, which in many cases will become a red flag to investigative teams seeking out fraud. Medical records of patients are now being copied for the RAC teams, and other investigative teams, and fines are being leveled because “perfection” is the rule of the law. Even we here at the Speech Te...

...AND THE PATIENT PAYS THE FREIGHT!

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:38:31 +0100

From all parts of this country of ours I hear the frustrations of chaos as the Medicare reforms are rolled out. Human oxidative stress levels are rising, company productivity levels are encouraging therapist fraud, and the patient is paying the freight with less patient care. The simple question is, “Can’t we ever transition change without chaos?” The answer is a resounding “No, because too many people believe in greed.” Not to be outdone on the bottom line...

Dementia and Chemical Restraints

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:35:09 +0100

Psychoactive (psychotropic/pharmacological) drugs are among the most frequently prescribed medications for the elderly in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities designed for dementia residents. Psychoactive drugs are medications designed to alter behaviors through their tranquilizing effects, reduction of anxiety and depression, and sedative and hypnotic effects. CMS (Center for Medicare Services) has mandat...

Medicare Law and Dysphagia Evaluation

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

It is interesting to note what is expected of the Speech Language Pathologist in Medicare law as regards the appropriate evaluation of the dysphagia patient. To quote the law: “If you conduct videofluoroscopic assessment (modified barium swallow), document that the exact diagnosis of the swallowing disorder cannot be substantiated through oral exam and there is a question whether aspiration is occurring. The videofluoroscopy assessment should b...

A REALISTIC PERSPECTIVE: Your Responsibilities for Dementia Patients

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:33:03 +0100

Through my travels and as I read my emails, I am uncomfortable with the lack of knowledge that SLPs have regarding the laws that govern their responsibilities for evaluation and functional maintenance programs required for the dementia patients. Even if SLP’s have “some” knowledge of their “job” with the dementia patient, a fully implemented program is not instituted within the facility. So here&r...

There is No 15-Minute Evaluation, and No 100% Productivity

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

As I continue in PRN work, I am amazed at the “longevity of the absurd” as exemplified in an SLP’s documentation notating a 15-minute evaluation for a Medicare Part A patient, regardless of their admittance diagnosis. This oxymoronic documentation is the end product of some very flawed thinking stretching all the way from Washington, D.C. through the corporate offices of rehab companies, and down to the stree...

Back to the Basics

Karlene Stefanakos, M.A., CCC-SLP — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:56:40 +0100

As I travel and lecture across this country, the question continuously surfacing in each workshop is "What did I spend my money on for my master's?" This question is usually generated by a feeling that somewhere in their graduate studies, the workshop attendees should have had instruction on the workshop topic areas, since these topics have such basic implications on their SLP practices. Quite frankly, as I look at the c...