The Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) is Microsoft Excel file summarizing provider specific Medicare data statistics for target areas often associated with Medicare improper payments due to billing. Based on the last set of statistics only 32% of facilities have accessed this data. Produced annually, it is used by Medicare audit contractors to identify potential targets for in-depth analysis and potential recoupment of funds paid out for care provided to seniors in skilled nursing facilities. Although this information is extremely valuable, many Assessment Coordinators are unaware of its presence and its potential negative impact on the organization as it is not advertised widely and is only published annually. This session will provide the attendee with an understanding of the structure and impact of this report.

About the Speaker; 

Debra Budge-Brennan, RN, MSN, CRNP-BC

Debra Brennan is a Clinical Consultant and Reimbursement Specialist for The Lancaster Group, LLC with over 23 years’ experience in Long Term Care, who holds a master’s degree in Nursing with a specialty in Family Nurse Practitioner, and acute care experience. Prior to joining The Lancaster Group, Debra served as Regional RNAC, Lead RNAC and MDS Coordinator for 10 years with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In that role, she successfully implemented trainings and changes in policies and procedure to those facilities obtaining 5 Star Ratings which resulted in two facilities ranking in the top ten Nursing Homes in U.S. News and World Report in the Unites States. Debra is an expert in the MDS process including performing duties as a multi facility Regional RNAC, MDS trainer for CNAs, Social Services, and MDS Coordinators, expert in Medicare and Medicaid Regulations. In 2012, Debra had the honor of being chosen out of multiple candidates to be in the first group of professionals to become Interact Certified to Reduce Hospitalizations at Florida Atlantic State University. She successfully completed the certification with 100% implementation in 6 facilities with 1, 440 total beds.  Debra has provided Education in all aspects of Medicare and Medicaid Regulations, Documentation Requirements, completing CAAs and Care Plan Development. She has performed mock surveys and has expertise with Survey Compliance and Plan of Correction. Her extensive knowledge has continued to grow into the positives and pitfalls facing the Nursing Home Industry today including: The Five Star, Valued Based Purchasing, SNF-QRP, and Quality Measures.