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The PDPM is a shift away from volume-driven SNF payment to a model that focuses on the unique characteristics, needs, and goals of each patient.
Medicare’s Patient-Driven Payment Model was implemented in October 2019 to improve payment accuracy by addressing each patient's circumstances independently and classifying patients into payment groups based on specific, data-driven patient characteristics. PDPM redefines the relationship between payment and quality measures, realigning payment incentives and quality incentives.
The implementation of PDPM makes it ever more important to show the value and cost-effectiveness of physical therapist services within skilled nursing facilities.
Claims that the PDPM itself mandates reductions in care simply aren't true. Similarly, assertions that the new system requires maximum use of group therapy, sets out productivity requirements, limits medically necessary therapy service, and dictates which therapy disciplines provide care based on payment categories are not accurate. These myths should not be the basis for any changes to facility protocols that impact patient care.
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Jan 1, 2020 / Article
The PDPM is not intended to be used to make treatment or staffing decisions that reduce or compromise patient care.
Jan 1, 2020 / Article
Hearing that some SNFs have incorrectly used this provision to mandate 25% group therapy, APTA has developed guidance.
Aug 3, 2020 / Review
CMS will continue to collect information from APTA and others on how SNFs are reacting to the payment system.
May 1, 2020 / Summary
Review the survey that assesses the effects that the SNF PDPM and home health PDGM models may have had on care delivery in the SNF and home health settings
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Jan 17, 2023 / Article
Researchers analyzed the effects of the Patient-Driven Payment Model payment system — and the pandemic — on therapy staffing in SNFs.
Aug 10, 2021 / Review
CMS also hasn't decided how it will address a 2020 PDPM payment spike. The rules are effective Oct. 1.
May 15, 2020 / News
APTA is taking concerns about PDPM and PDGM misapplication directly to physician and consumer groups.
Dec 11, 2019 / Analysis
PDPM and PDGM are here, and PTs and PTAs must now learn how to navigate the changed landscapes.
Oct 9, 2019 / News
APTA is working to debunk myths surrounding the PDPM payment system.
Jul 31, 2019 / News
CMS' SNF final payment rule proceeds with implementation of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM).
Aug 1, 2018 / News
The final 2019 rules for SNFs and IRFs are substantially similar to what CMS proposed in the spring, but that's not to say PTs should assume it's a "same rule, different year" situation.