Ohio SNFs Score Well on Quality Measures
Further analysis of the results of the new Medicaid SNF quality measures shows that most facilities scored well above the minimum level needed to receive the $16.44 quality component for the July 1, 2012, rates. Only five SNFs did not reach the minimum level of 5 points, and five facilities received 19 of 20 possible points. The median score was 13 points, and it was the same for each of the three peer groups used for reimbursement purposes. Seventeen facilities received $16.41, the statewide average quality payment, because they are new or recently underwent a change in provider. Among the quality measures, the most commonly attained were STNA turnover of no more than 65% (96%), tracking hospitalizations (95%), participating in Advancing Excellence (92%), and choice in bathing (91%). The least commonly met measures were 50% of beds in private rooms (17%), STNAs at 75% of care conferences (32%), choice in rising and retiring (43%), and employee retention of at least 75% (47%). As there were a few SNFs that did not receive the full quality payment, there may be a small bonus pool for the facilities that achieved six or more points. Ohio Medicaid told us that they will address the possibility of a bonus pool after completing some higher priority work items. Going forward, it is possible that next year’s state budget bill will make changes in the quality measures system for Fiscal Year 2014 and beyond. The quality payments will be one of the issues discussed by the Office of Health Transformation’s SNF Reimbursement Workgroup over the next three months. One difference for next year, though, is that the family satisfaction survey will replace the patient satisfaction survey for the three quality measures that come from the survey. If not enough of a facility’s families return the survey, the facility will not receive the points, so it will be important to encourage families to complete the survey. Additional information will be available at the August 22 2012 CMS Quality Measures - Ready or Not? seminar.