We believe a thorough understanding the assessment process will assist
providers be more prepared for an assessor visit, and optimise the accuracy of their AN-ACC funding classifications. So we’ve prepared a checklist of information we think will be helpful in understanding the new funding assessment process.
What do you need to know about AN-ACC Assessments?
Each AN-ACC assessment is completed by an independent assessor who has aged care experience and has received AN-ACC assessment training from the Department of Health.
The AN-ACC assessment is designed to assess very specific clinical characteristics of a resident, which drive the cost of care.
The Department provides a suite of AN-ACC assessment tools for assessors use in the assessment process.
The final funding classification outcome is calculated based on the result of the individual assessment.
AN-ACC assessment for funding is separate from clinical assessment for care planning and do not contribute to or affect the resident’s care plan.
Despite the AN-ACC funding assessment being completed by an independent assessor, classification determinations still rely partly on the clinical data produced by the provider via:
Written documentations e.g. charts, progress note, assessments…
Verbal report via staff interview.
Inaccurate or insufficient clinical data could lead to incorrect AN-ACC classifications.
The common strategies below may assist providers in preparing for assessment visits, and ensure correct classifications from initial assessment, minimising the need for reconsideration requests.
Assign a key liaison, who can monitor, coordinate and support the assessors, staff and residents during the assessment visit.
Ensure that clinical and care staff are well trained in AN-ACC and how to support AN-ACC assessments.
Ensure that the residents’ clinical documentation sufficiently and accurately demonstrates the resident’s care needs and the required level of staff assistance.
Ensure that the assessors have everything they need to conduct accurate funding assessments such as:
Essential information prior to their visit e.g infection control protocol
Access to care system software and all required documentation.
Access to the residents
Access to staff, who are familiar with the care needs of the residents being assessed.
Review the assessment outcome after the visit and determine if a reconsideration request is required.
You can download a printable version of the process here