Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has many sources of information about the IRF QRP for hospitals and other stakeholders including:

• Training Materials and In-person Training
• Training Question and Answers (Q&As)
• Hospital/Quality Initiative Open Door Forum (ODF) Presentations
• Special Open Door Forum (SODF) Presentations
• CMS Quality Partner/Vendor Workgroup Presentations

This page is organized to be a library of training materials available to IRFs. Trainings added to this page in the most recent six months will display as *NEW*.

If you have technical questions or feedback regarding the training, please email the PAC Training mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the IRF QRP Help Desk.

Introduction to the IRF QRP Web-Based Training

CMS offers a web-based training course for those who are new to the IRF QRP. The Introduction to the IRF QRP course is designed to provide a general overview of the program as well as a variety of links and resources for additional information. Specific topics include:

• Lesson 1: What is the IRF QRP?
• Lesson 2: The Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI)
• Lesson 3: IRF-PAI Data Submission
• Lesson 4: IRF QRP Resources

From Data Elements to Quality Measures – Cross-Setting QRP Web-Based Training.

CMS is offering a web-based training course that provides a high-level overview of how data elements within CMS patient/resident assessment instruments are used to construct quality measures (QMs) across post-acute care (PAC) settings. The PAC settings included are those covered under the CMS QRPs for Home Health Agencies (HHAs), IRFs, Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). Information covered in this 60-minutes course will include a short review of the QRPs’ cross-setting QMs, how data elements feed into these cross-setting QMs, how QMs are calculated and appear on QM reports and how to access and use this data for quality improvement.

• From Data Elements to Quality Measures: Cross-Setting QRP Web-Based Training.

Achieving a Full AIF Webinar

A video of the IRF QRP: Achieving a Full Annual Increase Factor (AIF) webinar that took place on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, is available to view on YouTube at the following link: https://youtu.be/Jk2_2tqwg88. The training materials are here:

• 2021_May.19_IRF QRP AIF Webinar (PDF).

Section A Training Materials

Transfer of Health Items Explainer Video

CMS is releasing a short, animated explainer video to assist providers in coding A2121. Provision of Current Reconciled Medication List to Subsequent Provider at Discharge and A2123. Provision of Current Reconciled Medication List to Patient at Discharge.

• Transfer of Health Items Explainer Video.

Section C Training Materials

Cognitive Assessment

CMS is offering a web-based training that provides an overview of the approaches to conducting a standardized cognitive assessment and the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). The course includes interactive exercises to test your knowledge related to the assessment and coding of the BIMS and should take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

• Assessment of Cognitive Function for IRF Providers.

*NEW* UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: BIMS Video Tutorial

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering an updated video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and interview strategies for the cognitive assessment known as the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) found in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) 4.0. This video tutorial is approximately 20 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding using live-action patient scenarios. To access the video, click on the following link: BIMS Video Tutorial.

BIMS Interview Cue Cards

CMS is offering a set of cue cards to assist providers in conducting the BIMS, as referenced in the IRF-PAI 4.0 coding guidance. This resource is intended to be utilized as a supplemental patient communication tool that provides a visual reference for the coding of response options. More detailed instructions regarding the use of cue cards and the administration of the BIMS in writing can be found in the IRF-PAI 4.0 Manual.

• 2023_February_Bims_Cue_Cards (PDF).

Section D Training Materials

PHQ-2 to 9 Cue Card

CMS is offering a cue card to assist providers in coding the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 to 9) as referenced in the coding guidance for D0150. This resource is intended to be utilized during the Patient Mood Interview as a supplemental communication tool that provides a visual reference to assist patient selection of symptom frequency. The cue card is offered in two sizes which can be viewed or printed here:

• 2022_December_PHQ-2 to 9 Cue Card (PDF).

Section GG Training Materials

Section GG 3-Course Training Series

This web-based training series is designed to be used on demand anywhere you can access a browser and includes interactive exercises to test your knowledge related to the assessment and coding of Section GG items. This training series consists of three courses:

• Course 1: Understanding Prior Functioning and Prior Device Use.
• Course 2: GG0130. Self-Care Items.
• Course 3: GG0170. Mobility Items.

Video Tutorials Available to Assist with Coding Specific Section GG Items

These videos, ranging from 4 to 12 minutes, are designed to provide targeted guidance using simulated patient scenarios. To access the videos, click on the links below.

• GG0110. Prior Device Use with Information from Multiple Sources. (3:58)
• GG0130A. Eating. (6:19)
• GG0130B. Oral Hygiene (4:25)
• GG0130H. Putting on/taking off footwear. (6:25)
• GG0170L. Walking 10 feet on uneven surfaces. (5:52)
• GG1070P. Picking up object. (5:49)
• Decision Tree for Coding Section GG0130. Self-Care and GG0170. Mobility. (11:56)

GG0170C. Lying to Sitting on Side of Bed

CMS is releasing a short video tutorial to assist providers with coding GG0170C. Lying to Sitting on Side of Bed. This 5-minute video is designed to provide targeted guidance using simulated patient scenarios.

• GG0170C. Lying to Sitting on Side of Bed.

Section J Training Materials

Health Conditions: Coding the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements Related to Falls

This 45-minute web-based training provides an overview of the assessment and coding of the standardized patient assessment data elements in Section J: Health Conditions and is designed to include interactive exercises to test your knowledge. To access the videos, click the links below.

• Section J: Health Conditions – Coding the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements Related to Falls

*NEW* RESOURCE AVAILABLE: J0510-J0530 Pain Interview Explainer Video

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a 4-minute, animated explainer video, J0510-J0530 Pain Interview: Understanding How a Patient Communicates Pain for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Providers. This video was developed to assist providers in accurately coding the new pain interview items including pain assessment strategies and associated patient communication challenges. The video is now available through the following link: J0510-J0530 Pain Interview Explainer Video.

If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the IRF QRP Help Desk.

Pain Interview Cue Cards

CMS is offering a set of cue cards to assist providers in conducting the Pain Interview, as referenced in the IRF-PAI 4.0 coding guidance. This resource is intended to be utilized as a supplemental patient communication tool that provides a visual reference for the coding of response options. More detailed instructions regarding the use of cue cards can be found in the IRF-PAI 4.0 Manual.

• 2023_February_Pain_Interview_Cue_Cards (PDF)

Section M Training Materials

Assessment and Coding of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries

This 90-minute web-based training provides an overview of the assessment and coding of the standardized patient assessment data elements in Section M: Skin Conditions and is designed to include interactive exercises to test your knowledge. To access the videos, click the links below.

• Section M:  Assessment and Coding of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries

Section N Training Materials

Medications – Drug Regimen Review

This 45-minute web-based training provides an overview of the assessment and coding of the Drug Regimen Review standardized patient assessment data elements to Section N and is designed to be used on demand anywhere you can access a browser. To access the videos, click the links below.

• Medications:  Drug Regimen Review

Job Aids

CMS is offering companion job aids to assist providers in the assessment and coding of assessment items. The job aids provide clinically relevant information to assist providers in understanding specific guidelines and clinical considerations that should be applied to coding these items. The job aids are provided in multiple file types designed for printing, viewing, or sharing electronically. An explanation of the file types is provided in the ZIP file.

GG0130A. Eating, GG0130B. Oral Hygiene, GG0130C. Toileting Hygiene, GG0130E. Shower/Bathe Self, GG0130F. Upper Body Dressing, GG0130G. Lower Body Dressing, and GG0130H. Putting On/Taking Off Footwear

• 2021_November.10_SNF_GG0130 Job Aides (ZIP)

Pocket Guides / Badge Buddies

CMS is offering Pocket Guides to assist providers in the assessment and coding of assessment items. The pocket guides provide a quick reference for important terms and definitions that promote coding accuracy. These pocket guides are approximately 2 x 3.5 inches in size and are designed to be worn behind a provider identification badge.

• Pocket Guide #1: Coding for Self-Care and Mobility Items (PDF).
• Pocket Guide #2: Definitions for Coding Section J Fall Items (PDF).
• Pocket Guide #3: Pressure Ulcers/Injuries Stages and Definitions (PDF).

IRF QRP Tip Sheets

The purpose of the tip sheets is to help providers understand the CMS public reporting strategy for the IRF QRP to account for CMS quality data submissions that were optional and excepted from public reporting due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The tip sheets also outline the impact on the CMS’ Care Compare website refreshes.

• 2022_November_IRF Third Edition QRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet (PDF)

Updates

September 26, 2023

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: BIMS and BIMS Summary Score Explainer Video

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering a 3-minute, animated explainer video, BIMS and BIMS Summary Score: Stopping and Coding an Incomplete Interview for IRF Providers. This video was developed to assist providers in accurately determining when the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) should be stopped, and how to code the remaining items in this situation. The video is now available through the following link: BIMS and BIMS Summary Score: Stopping and Coding an Incomplete Interview Explainer Video.

If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. If you would like to receive email notifications related to future training resources or events, please register to be added to our Notification List. Content-related questions should be submitted to the IRF QRP Help Desk.

September 22, 2023

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Understanding Coding for N0415 Explainer Video

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering a 4-minute, animated explainer video, Understanding Coding for N0415. High-Risk Drug Classes: Use and Indication for IRF Providers. This video was developed to assist providers in accurately determining whether a patient is taking any prescribed medications in the specified drug classes and whether the patient-specific indication was noted for all medications in the drug class. The video is now available through the following link: Understanding Coding for N0415. High-Risk Drug Classes: Use and Indication Explainer Video.

If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. If you would like to receive email notifications related to future training resources or events, please register to be added to our Notification List. Content-related questions should be submitted to the IRF QRP Help Desk.

August 8, 2023

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Social Determinants of Health Items Explainer Video

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering a 4-minute, animated explainer video, Social Determinants of Health Items: Determining When a Proxy Response is Allowed for IRF Providers. This video was developed to assist providers in accurately determining when the use of a proxy response is allowed for Social Determinants of Health items: A1005. Ethnicity, A1010. Race, A1110. Language, A1250. Transportation, B1300. Health Literacy, and D0700. Social Isolation. The video is now available through the following link: Social Determinants of Health Explainer Video.

If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. If you would like to receive email notifications related to future training resources or events, please register to be added to our Notification List. Content-related questions should be submitted to the IRF QRP Help Desk.

July 14, 2023

UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: BIMS Video Tutorial

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering an updated video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and interview strategies for the cognitive assessment known as the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) found in the IRF-PAI 4.0. This video tutorial is approximately 20 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding using live-action patient scenarios. To access the video, click on the following link: BIMS Video Tutorial.

If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the IRF QRP Help Desk.

May 19, 2023

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: J0510-J0530 Pain Interview Explainer Video

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering a 4-minute, animated explainer video, J0510-J0530 Pain Interview: Understanding How a Patient Communicates Pain for IRF Providers. This video was developed to assist providers in accurately coding the new pain interview items including pain assessment strategies and associated patient communication challenges. The video is now available through the following link: J0510-J0530 Pain Interview Explainer Video.

IRF Quality Reporting Program Archives

If you have questions about accessing resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the IRF QRP Help Desk.

IRF Quality Reporting Program Archives