Are You Gambling with Your Next CMS Survey? The Critical Role of Mock Surveys in LTC

? In 2024, CMS issued over 129,000 citations, including 823 immediate jeopardy (IJ) tags, 4,000 H-level deficiencies, and a staggering 73,000 D-level tags. Facilities nationwide faced crippling fines, reputational damage, and operational chaos. Think you’re immune? Think again. ?

If you’re a mom-and-pop facility without regional support, you might be asking yourself: Are we leaving our survey to chance… again? The reality is that most facilities don’t know there are issues until the surveyors walk through the door. That’s a gamble you can’t afford to take. ?

The Hidden Costs of "Winging It"

Failing a CMS survey doesn’t just impact compliance metrics; it affects every aspect of your operations:

• Time: Writing detailed Plans of Correction (POCs), retraining staff, and conducting audits drains valuable time.
• Money: Fines, revenue losses from halted admissions, and the costs of corrective actions add up quickly.
• Resident Care: Surveys highlight gaps that can jeopardize the safety and well-being of your residents.

? Take, for example, a recent mock survey conducted by SMK Medical. During the review, our team discovered that a facility driver had no license on file—a simple oversight that could have resulted in a costly tag and serious safety implications. Identifying and correcting such issues before CMS arrives saves not only dollars but also peace of mind. ?

Why Mock Surveys Pay for Themselves

Mock surveys are a proactive, cost-effective solution that prepares your facility for success. Here’s how:

• Uncover Hidden Risks: Most deficiencies are unnoticed until it’s too late. Mock surveys ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
• Save Money: Avoid fines, reduce the burden of POCs, and prevent survey-related disruptions.
• Improve Resident Care: Proactive corrections mean safer, higher-quality care for your residents.

? Consider this: SMK Medical helped a Michigan facility that had been cited for 22 nursing-related deficiencies in the previous year. After implementing changes identified during our mock survey, their next CMS survey resulted in just 4 D-level tags. That’s not just compliance improvement—it’s transformative success. ?

Addressing Your Mental Doubts

You might be thinking: I don’t have the budget for this.

? The truth is, the cost of doing nothing is far greater. A mock survey is an investment in your facility’s future. Every dollar spent on preparation prevents exponential losses from citations, halted admissions, and tarnished reputations. ?

When you consider the ROI—time saved from writing POCs, reduced audit burdens, and uninterrupted operations—the mock survey practically pays for itself. And beyond financial savings, it’s about peace of mind and better care for your residents. ?

The SMK Medical Difference

At SMK Medical, we don’t just conduct mock surveys; we partner with you to achieve better outcomes. Our diverse team of experts understands what surveyors look for and provides:

• A full-scale mock survey identical to CMS reviews.
• A detailed report of findings delivered within 10 business days.
• Hands-on support to address deficiencies and ensure lasting improvements.

? We’ve conducted hundreds of surveys across the country, helping facilities of all sizes—from independent operations to larger networks—achieve compliance success. ?

Limited-Time Offer: 5% Off Your First Mock Survey

? From now until 2/25/25, first-time customers can receive 5% off their mock survey when booking dates between 2/1/25 and 5/31/25. This is your chance to take control of your compliance—and your future. ?

Slots fill quickly, so don’t wait. Let SMK Medical guide you to a better survey year. ?

Let’s Get Started

Ready to take the guesswork out of compliance? Contact SMK Medical today and request a free sample mock survey report to see how we can help you prepare. ?

Schedule Your Mock Survey Today!

• Phone: 313-314-8267
• Website: SMKMed.com or book a call Here

? Don’t leave your survey to chance—invest in success with SMK Medical.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog by SMK Medical is for general informational purposes only and is specifically tailored to post-acute care executives, leaders, and directors. The information, including regulatory compliance guidance, reflects our understanding at the time of publication. Rules, regulations, and standards in the healthcare industry are subject to frequent change, and SMK Medical makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness or current accuracy of the content provided.

All case examples or scenarios mentioned have been anonymized and/or aggregated to protect the identity of the parties involved. This blog does not constitute professional advice, consultation services, or establish a client relationship. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with qualified professionals and verify current regulations before making any decisions based on the information presented.

SMK Medical expressly disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use of or reliance on this content.