Articles

Prevalence Rates and Characteristics of Malnutrition, Frailty, and Other Nutrition and Muscle Mass-Related Conditions Document Potential Quality of Care Gap for Medicare Patients in US Skilled Nursing Facilities

Publication Date: 31 March 2022

Author(s): Mary Beth Arensberg, PhD, RDN, FAND; Cory Brunton, MS, BSN, RN; Susan Drawert, MEd, RDN; Brenda Richardson, MA, RDN, FAND; Scott Bolhack, MD, MBA, CMD, CWS, FACP, FAAP

Abstract:

The acuity level of patients in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continues to increase however skilled nursing facility Medicare claims for nutrition/muscle mass-related conditions (including malnutrition and frailty) are reported at lower levels than their likely prevalence. This represents a potential care gap and requires action to help improve patient health outcomes and skilled nursing facility quality metrics. 

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