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Stutzbach JA, Hare KS, Gustavson AM, Derlein DL, Kellogg AL, Stevens-Lapsley JE. A Novel Behavioral Intervention to Enhance Physical Activity for Older Veterans in a Skilled Nursing Facility. J Aging Phys Act 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38862110 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2022-0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Physical activity levels during skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehabilitation fall far below what is needed for successful community living and to prevent adverse events. This feasibility study's purpose was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve physical activity in patients admitted to SNFs for short-term rehabilitation. High-Intensity Rehabilitation plus Mobility combined a high-intensity (i.e., high weight, low repetition), progressive (increasing in difficulty over time), and functional resistance rehabilitation intervention with a behavioral economics-based physical activity program. The behavioral economics component included five mobility sessions/week with structured goal setting, gamification, and loss aversion (the idea that people are more likely to change a behavior in response to a potential loss over a potential gain). SNF physical therapists, occupational therapists, and a mobility coach implemented the High-Intensity Rehabilitation plus Mobility protocol with older Veterans (n = 18) from a single SNF. Participants demonstrated high adherence to the mobility protocol and were highly satisfied with their rehabilitation. Treatment fidelity scores for clinicians were ≥95%. We did not observe a hypothesized 40% improvement in step counts or time spent upright. However, High-Intensity Rehabilitation plus Mobility participants made clinically important improvements in short physical performance battery scores and gait speed from admission to discharge that were qualitatively similar to or slightly higher than historical cohorts from the same SNF that had received usual care or high-intensity rehabilitation alone. These results suggest a structured physical activity program can be feasibly combined with high-intensity rehabilitation for SNF residents following a hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Stutzbach
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,School of Medicine,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- School of Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kristine S Hare
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,School of Medicine,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Allison M Gustavson
- Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development, Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Danielle L Derlein
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,School of Medicine,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrea L Kellogg
- Select Rehab, Veteran's Community Living Center at Fitzsimons, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer E Stevens-Lapsley
- Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,School of Medicine,University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Aurora, CO, USA
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Lam K, Kleijwegt H, Bollens-Lund E, Nicholas LH, Covinsky KE, Ankuda CK. Long-term outcomes after rehabilitation in Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service beneficiaries. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1697-1706. [PMID: 38597342 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial incentives in capitated Medicare Advantage (MA) plans may lead to inadequate rehabilitation. We therefore investigated if MA enrollees had worse long-term physical performance and functional outcomes after rehabilitation. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries in the nationally representative National Health and Aging Trends Study. We compared MA and fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries reporting rehabilitation between 2014 and 2017 by change in (1) Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and (2) NHATS-derived Functional Independence Measure (FIM) from the previous year, using t-tests incorporating inverse-probability weighting and complex survey design. Secondary outcomes were self-reported: (1) improved function during rehabilitation, (2) worse function since rehabilitation ended, (3) meeting rehabilitation goals, and (4) meeting insurance limits. RESULTS Among 738 MA and 1488 FFS participants, weighted mean age was 76 years (SD 7.0), 59% were female, and 9% had probable dementia. MA beneficiaries were more likely to be Black (9% vs. 6%) or Hispanic/other race (15% vs. 10%), be on Medicaid (14% vs. 10%), have lower income (median $35,000 vs. $48,000), and receive <1 month of rehabilitation (30% vs. 23%). MA beneficiaries had a similar decline in SPPB (-0.46 [SD 1.8] vs. -0.21 [SD 2.7], p-value 0.069) and adapted FIM (-1.05 [SD 3.7] vs. -1.13 [SD 5.45], p-value 0.764) compared to FFS. MA beneficiaries were less likely to report improved function during rehabilitation (61% [95% CI 56-67] vs. 70% [95% CI 67-74], p-value 0.006). Other outcomes and analyses restricted to inpatient rehabilitation participants were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE MA enrollment was associated with lower likelihood of self-reported functional improvement during rehabilitation but no clinically or statistically significant differences in annual changes of physical performance or function. As MA expands, future studies must monitor implications on rehabilitation coverage and older adults' independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Lam
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Hannah Kleijwegt
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Evan Bollens-Lund
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lauren H Nicholas
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Economics, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kenneth E Covinsky
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Claire K Ankuda
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Liu Z, Meehan A, Brazier JF, Shield R, Gadbois EA. Implementing the Patient Driven Payment Model-Perspectives from Skilled Nursing Facility Administrators. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:688-699. [PMID: 38173136 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231223296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore skilled nursing facility (SNF) administrator retrospective perspectives on their preparation for and initial implementation of the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), the new Medicare payment system for SNFs enacted on October 1, 2019. Methods: 156 interviews at 40 SNFs in eight U.S. markets were conducted and qualitatively analyzed. Results: Administrators retrospectively expressed feeling well-prepared for the PDPM implementation. Advance preparation focused on training staff regarding patient assessment and documentation. Administrators also recognized increased incentives for admitting patients with more complex needs and prepared accordingly. Therapy staffing reductions were concentrated in contract employees, while SNF-employed therapists were less affected. Conclusion: Policy makers and industry experts should consider the long-term impact of changing financial incentives through payment reform, and ensure that reimbursement best reflects the cost of providing services while prioritizing high-quality care. PDPM's effect on care quality and access to care should continue to be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanqin Liu
- Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy Meehan
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joan F Brazier
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Renee Shield
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Emily A Gadbois
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Meehan A, Brazier JF, Grabowski DC, Rahman M, Shield RR, Gadbois EA. Administrator Perspectives on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Administration of the Patient Driven Payment Model in U.S. Skilled Nursing Facilities. Med Care Res Rev 2024; 81:223-232. [PMID: 38419595 DOI: 10.1177/10775587241233018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) was implemented in U.S. skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in October 2019, shortly before COVID-19. This new payment model aimed to reimburse SNFs for patients' nursing needs rather than the previous model which reimbursed based on the volume of therapy received. Through 156 semi-structured interviews with 40 SNF administrators from July 2020 to December 2021, this qualitative study clarifies the impact of COVID-19 on the administration of PDPM at SNFs. Interview data were analyzed using modified grounded theory and thematic analysis. Our findings show that SNF administrators shifted focus from management of the PDPM to COVID-19-related delivery of care adaptations, staff shortfalls, and decreased admissions. As the pandemic abated, administrators re-focused their attention to PDPM. Policy makers should consider the continued impacts of the pandemic at SNFs, particularly on delivery of care, admissions, and staffing, on the ability of SNF administrators to administer a new payment model.
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Brown C, Prusynski R, Baylor C, Humbert A, Mroz TM. Patient Characteristics and Treatment Patterns for Speech-Language Pathology Services in Skilled Nursing Facilities. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:912-936. [PMID: 38215225 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-23-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care has historically been influenced by systemic issues that could impact speech-language pathology (SLP) service provision. However, there has been little study specifically on factors associated with SLP service provision in SNFs. Large administrative data sets are rarely analyzed in SLP research but can be used to understand real-world SLP services. This study investigated associations between patient and facility characteristics and SLP services. METHOD Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with SLP service provision in 2018 Medicare administrative data representing 833,653 beneficiaries. RESULTS Beneficiaries had higher odds of receiving SLP services when they had neurologic diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.32), had SLP-related functional impairments (ORs = 1.19-3.41), and received other rehabilitative services (ORs = 3.11-3.78). Beneficiaries had lower odds of receiving SLP services when they received care from SNFs located in hospitals versus freestanding (OR = 0.45), with need for interpreter services (OR = 0.76) and with thresholding (OR = 0.68), a financially motivated practice. Direction of association varied across racial and ethnic groups and measures of location. Odds of being provided SLP services decreased with increasing communication impairment severity. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that clinicians are identifying patients with diagnoses most likely to warrant SLP services. However, association disparities and weakening association of service provision with increasing impairment severity have concerning clinical implications. Health services research methods can be used to further explore SLP practices in SNFs to support equitable service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cait Brown
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Rachel Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Carolyn Baylor
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Andrew Humbert
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Tracy M Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
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Prusynski RA, Frogner BK, Rundell SD, Pradhan S, Mroz TM. Is More Always Better? Financially Motivated Therapy and Patient Outcomes in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:287-294. [PMID: 37541357 PMCID: PMC10837324 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if financially motivated therapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) is associated with patient outcomes. DESIGN Cohort study using 2018 Medicare administrative data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 13,949 SNFs in the United States. PARTICIPANTS 934,677 Medicare Part A patients admitted to SNF for post-acute rehabilitation (N=934,677). INTERVENTIONS The primary independent variable was an indicator of financially motivated therapy, separate from intensive therapy, known as thresholding, defined as when SNFs provide 10 or fewer minutes of therapy above weekly reimbursement thresholds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dichotomous indicators of successful discharge to the community vs institution and functional improvement on measures of transfers, ambulation, or locomotion. Mixed effects models estimated relations between thresholding and community discharge and functional improvement, adjusted for therapy intensity, patient, and facility characteristics. Sensitivity analyses estimated associations between thresholding and outcomes when patients were stratified by therapy volume. RESULTS Thresholding was associated with a small positive effect on functional improvement (odds ratio 1.07; 95% CI 1.06-1.09) and community discharge (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05). Effect sizes for functional improvement were consistent across patients receiving different volumes of therapy. However, effect sizes for community discharge were largest for patients in low-volume therapy groups (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.18-1.35). CONCLUSIONS Patients who experienced thresholding during post-acute SNF stays were slightly more likely to improve in function and successfully discharge to the community, especially for patients receiving lower volumes of therapy. While thresholding is an inefficient and financially motivated practice, results suggest that even small amounts of extra therapy time may have contributed positively to outcomes for patients receiving lower-volume therapy. As therapy volumes decline in SNFs, these results emphasize the importance of Medicare payment policy designed to promote, not disincentivize, potentially beneficial rehabilitation services for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA.
| | - Bianca K Frogner
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Sean D Rundell
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Sujata Pradhan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Tracy M Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
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Bynum JPW, Montoya A, Lawton EJ, Gibbons JB, Banerjee M, Meddings J, Norton EC. Accountable Care Organization Attribution and Post-Acute Skilled Nursing Facility Outcomes for People Living With Dementia. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:53-57.e2. [PMID: 38081322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Under the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model, reductions in healthcare spending have been achieved by targeting post-acute care, particularly in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). People with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) are frequently discharged to SNF for post-acute care and may be at particular risk for unintended consequences of SNF cost reduction efforts. We examined SNF length of stay (LOS) and outcomes among ACO-attributed and non-ACO-attributed ADRD patients. DESIGN Observational serial cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Twenty percent national random sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries (2013-2017) to identify beneficiaries with a diagnosis of ADRD and with a hospitalization followed by SNF admission (n = 263,676). METHODS Our primary covariate of interest was ACO (n = 66,842) and non-ACO (n = 196,834) attribution. Hospital readmission and death were measured for 3 time periods (<30, 31-90, and 91-180 days) following hospital discharge. We used 2-stage least squares regression to predict LOS as a function of ACO attribution, and patient and facility characteristics. RESULTS ACO-attributed ADRD patients have shorter SNF LOS than their non-ACO counterparts (31.7 vs 32.8 days; P < .001). Hospital readmission rates for ACO vs non-ACO differed at ≤30 days (13.9% vs 14.6%; P < .001) but were similar at 31-90 days and 91-180 days. No significant difference was observed in mortality post-hospital discharge for ACO vs non-ACO at ≤30 days; however, slightly higher mortality was observed at 31-90 days (8.4% vs 8.8%; P = .002) and 91-180 days (7.6% vs 7.9%; P = .011). No significant association was found between LOS and readmission, with small effects on mortality favoring ACOs in fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Being an ACO-attributed patient is associated with shorter SNF LOS but is not associated with changes in readmission or mortality after controlling for other factors. Policies that shorten LOS may not have adverse effects on outcomes for people living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie P W Bynum
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ana Montoya
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily J Lawton
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jason B Gibbons
- Department of Health Policy and Managing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer Meddings
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Edward C Norton
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Cao YJ, Luo D. Post-Acute Care in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:868-875.e5. [PMID: 37148906 PMCID: PMC10073583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Compare post-acute care (PAC) utilization and outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) between beneficiaries covered by Traditional Medicare (TM) and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to the previous year. DESIGN This multiyear cross-sectional study used Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility-Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) data to assess PAC delivery from January 2019 to December 2020. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, hip fracture, joint replacement, and cardiac and pulmonary conditions among Medicare beneficiaries 65 years or older. METHODS Patient-level multivariate regression models with difference-in-differences approach were used to compare TM and MA plans in length of stay (LOS), payment per episode, functional improvements, and discharge locations. RESULTS A total of 271,188 patients were analyzed [women (57.1%), mean (SD) age 77.8 (0.06) years], among whom 138,277 were admitted for stroke, 68,488 hip fracture, 19,020 joint replacement, and 35,334 cardiac and 10,069 pulmonary conditions. Before the pandemic, MA beneficiaries had longer LOS (+0.22 days; 95% CI: 0.15-0.29), lower payment per episode (-$361.05; 95% CI: -573.38 to -148.72), more discharges to home with a home health agency (HHA) (48.9% vs 46.6%), and less to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) (15.7% vs 20.2%) than TM beneficiaries. During the pandemic, both plan types had shorter LOS (-0.68 day; 95% CI: 0.54-0.84), higher payment (+$798; 95% CI: 558-1036), increased discharges to home with an HHA (52.8% vs 46.6%), and decreased discharges to an SNF (14.5% vs 20.2%) than before. Differences between TM and MA beneficiaries in these outcomes became smaller and less significant. All results were adjusted for beneficiary and facility characteristics. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected PAC delivery in IRF in the same directions for both TM and MA plans, the timing, time duration, and magnitude of the impacts were different across measures and admission conditions. Differences between the 2 plan types shrank and performance across all dimensions became more comparable over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jessica Cao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Dian Luo
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Prusynski RA, Humbert A, Leland NE, Frogner BK, Saliba D, Mroz TM. Dual impacts of Medicare payment reform and the COVID-19 pandemic on therapy staffing in skilled nursing facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:609-619. [PMID: 36571515 PMCID: PMC9880747 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of new skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare payment policy, the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), resulted in immediate declines in physical and occupational therapy staffing. This study characterizes continuing impacts of PDPM in conjunction with COVID-19 on SNF therapy staffing and examines variability in staffing changes based on SNF organizational characteristics. METHODS We analyzed Medicare administrative data from a national cohort of SNFs between January 2019 and March 2022. Interrupted time series mixed effects regression examined changes in level and trend of total therapy staffing minutes/patient-day during PDPM and COVID-19 and by type of staff (therapists, assistants, contractors, and in-house staff). Secondary analyses examined the variability in staffing by organizational characteristics. RESULTS PDPM resulted in a -6.54% level change in total therapy staffing, with larger declines for assistants and contractors. Per-patient staffing fluctuated during COVID-19 as the census changed. PDPM-related staffing declines were larger in SNFs that were: Rural, for-profit, chain-affiliated, provided more intensive therapy, employed more therapy assistants, and admitted more Medicare patients before PDPM. COVID-19 resulted in larger staffing declines in rural SNFs but smaller early declines in SNFs that were hospital-based, for-profit, or received more relief funding. CONCLUSIONS SNFs that historically engaged in profit-maximizing behaviors (e.g., providing more therapy via lower-paid assistants) had larger staffing declines during PDPM compared to other SNFs. Therapy staffing fluctuated during COVID-19, but PDPM-related reductions persisted 2 years into the pandemic, especially in rural SNFs. Results suggest specific organizational characteristics that should be targeted for staffing and quality improvement initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Andrew Humbert
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Natalie E Leland
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Bianca K Frogner
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Debra Saliba
- UCLA Borun Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
- VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Tracy M Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
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10
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Cao YJ, Wang Y, Mullahy J, Burns M, Liu Y, Smith M. The Relative Importance of Hospital Discharge and Patient Composition in Changing Post-Acute Care Utilization and Outcomes Among Medicare Beneficiaries. Health Serv Insights 2023; 16:11786329231166522. [PMID: 37077324 PMCID: PMC10108411 DOI: 10.1177/11786329231166522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic changed care delivery. But the mechanisms of changes were less understood. Objectives Examine the extent to which the volume and pattern of hospital discharge and patient composition contributed to the changes in post-acute care (PAC) utilization and outcomes during the pandemic. Research design Retrospective cohort study. Medicare claims data on hospital discharges in a large healthcare system from March 2018 to December 2020. Subjects Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, 65 years or older, hospitalized for non-COVID diagnoses. Measures Hospital discharges to Home Health Agencies (HHA), Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF) versus home. Thirty- and ninety-day mortality and readmission rates. Outcomes were compared before and during the pandemic with and without adjustment for patient characteristics and/or interactions with the pandemic onset. Results During the pandemic, hospital discharges declined by 27%. Patients were more likely to be discharged to HHA (+4.6%, 95% CI [3.2%, 6.0%]) and less likely to be discharged to either SNF (-3.9%, CI [-5.2%, -2.7%]) or to home (-2.8% CI [-4.4%, -1.3%]). Thirty- and ninety-day mortality rates were significantly higher by 2% to 3% points post-pandemic. Readmission were not significantly different. Up to 15% of the changes in discharge patterns and 5% in mortality rates were attributable to patient characteristics. Conclusions Shift in discharge locations were the main driver of changes in PAC utilization during the pandemic. Changes in patient characteristics explained only a small portion of changes in discharge patterns and were mainly channeled through general impacts rather than differentiated responses to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jessica Cao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - John Mullahy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marguerite Burns
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Maureen Smith
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Health Innovation Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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