This is the first blog in a series focused on looking back at PDPM data thus far so you can plan. Part 2 focuses on compliance and risk. Part 3 will focus on developing strategies to address unfavorable trends.
Most of us have been chomping at the bit to look at the first PDPM era data to evaluate this new payment model, but so far CMS FY2021 hasn’t been a typical year to analyze. Quarter 1 of the fiscal year was a transition quarter and with the high number of Interim Payment Assessments (IPAs) in October along with the learning curve of a new model, the data may not be reflective of the true impact of PDPM. Quarter 2 looked promising until COVID-19 took hold in March; and quarter 3 has COVID-19 written all over it, so as we look at the PDPM data captured in the first 3 quarters of 2020, we must keep these factors in mind.
What story does the PDPM data tell us so far?
As you can imagine, there are many different elements to consider when analyzing the PDPM data but looking at the per diem rate drivers will give you a leg up on imminent CMS analysis and provider scrutiny. Just like the patterns observed in the highest RUGs levels in the old model, CMS has vowed to monitor these payment drivers to ensure program integrity. Naturally, these will be an area of focus under PDPM.
PDPM Payment Drivers
Let’s start with a review of the MDS Items that impact the PDPM components.
- Are we seeing any coding pattern changes since the start on 10/1/2019?
- If so, are the changes true changes in the resident population?
- Are the changes related to improvements in how these items are assessed, or are there signs that there may be some “gaming” of the system?
These questions and others are critical to answer to have full awareness of where you may stand if scrutiny comes to your facility in the form of audits or surveys.
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One simple way to evaluate your data is to look at the percentage of assessments in the individual drivers for each component. The data represented in the charts below illustrates the average percentage of assessments for these rate drivers within PointRight nation*. If the same data was available prior to 10/1/19, data from pre-PDPM CYQ3 2019 through CYQ2 2020 is displayed to better evaluate the changes pre and post-PDPM implementation.
*PR National average – PointRight processes over 25,000 MDS’ per day – watching for patterns and emerging trends to help identify potential problem areas early
Nursing component:
For the nursing component the percentage of assessments for these 3 rate drivers were analyzed:
- Extensive Services,
- Depression,
- Restorative Nursing
Depression coding rose dramatically, doubling from FYQ4 (2019) to FYQ1 (2020). Restorative nursing nearly doubled at a much slower pace over a 3-quarter period. The use of extensive services remained nearly unchanged until the pandemic when, not surprisingly, a significant increase occurred in FYQ3 (2020), which is likely due to the increased need for isolation related to COVID-19.
Speech Therapy Component:
For the SLP component, the percentage of assessments for these 3 rate drivers were analyzed:
- Cognitive Impairment
- Mechanical Altered Diet
- Swallowing Disorders
Rapid and dramatic increases were observed in the percentage of assessments with cognitive impairment and swallowing disorders, especially in the first quarter post implementation of PDPM. Cognitive impairment continues to show an upward trend and swallowing disorders continued to climb for another quarter before leveling off. Mechanically altered diet has demonstrated a more gradual but steady increase across all 3 quarters.
Non-Therapy Ancillaries (NTA) Component:
For the NTA component, the distribution of the percentage of assessments for each of the NTA case mix groups was analyzed. Over 50% of the assessments landed in the lowest two case mix groups which have case mix indices (CMIs) lower than 1.
One point separates each of these categories, so missing one diagnosis or special treatment can mean the difference between a base rate multiplier of 0.96 vs.1.34, or 1.34 vs. 1.85. Does this truly reflect the complexity of the residents you care for?
As you know, with averages some providers will be higher, and others will be below the average.
- Where do you fit within these averages?
- Do you know where you stand today?
- Could you explain why your numbers land where they do?
- If you’ve had some of these dramatic increases, could you defend them in the event of an audit?
- If you’re significantly below average, are you missing opportunities?
If you are among those with increases, let me go back to my original questions. Did your resident population change from one quarter to the next? Not likely. So, what is the reason for the change in your facility? And better yet, what will you do about it? I’ll give you 720 reasons why you should know.
PDPM: Looking Back and Planning Ahead Series
Join our mailing list, check out Part 2 focused on compliance and risk, and stay tuned for Part 3 of this PDPM series when the focus will be on successful strategies to address unfavorable patterns and trends.
[Psst! Want to get ahead? Check out my webinar recording previewing all three parts of this series: PDPM: Looking Back & Planning Ahead. ]
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