Published August 20, 2019

So, now that you’ve mastered the ins and outs of PDPM, what’s next?

You’ve learned the PDPM basics (i.e., changes to the MDS, Case Mix Components, determining the HIPPS code, etc.), but what comes next? Here’s a couple things to think about:

• Take a look at your current policies and procedures. The way to sustain any process relies on your policy and staff education. PDPM is going to require modification and/or development of a number of policies and tools. For example: How will your admissions process be altered? How will you convert your Triple Check process to support PDPM?
• This is just the beginning of PDPM. Staff will need ongoing education and oversight to ensure your processes are effective and being utilized correctly.
• Consider implementing PDPM “cheat sheets” and formatted progress notes to capture the documentation required for the diagnosis categories.
  • If you have an electronic medical record, consider uploading the formatted progress notes for efficiency and easy access by staff.
  • Making “cheat sheets” available will help staff quickly recognize the PDPM components and increase the likelihood of capturing the documentation needed to be successful in the new PDPM.
• Consider auditing MDS submissions from now until October 1^st to identify how each resident’s reimbursement will change from RUG-IV to PDPM. Auditing after PDPM implementation will be even more critical to make sure your 5-Day MDS is capturing all that is required to gain accurate reimbursement. This will help you identify any potential missed reimbursement. Keep in mind, PDPM is a huge change and staff will need ongoing coaching and education to be successful!

If you don’t want to reinvent the wheel, let our experts help you implement effective PDPM systems. We have developed an arsenal of tools including policies, worksheets, cheat sheets, formatted nursing notes and more to minimize the administrative burden of PDPM. Our team will customize a PDPM support system to meet your organizations individual needs and work directly with staff to provide education and assist with implementation. Contact us to learn more.

Amy Lee, RN, MSN, CRRN, QCP
President/CEO