The impact of the new Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) on staffing is still uncertain, but there is already some indication that therapists could be on the chopping block. According to one report:
- Thousands of physical, occupational, and speech therapists have already been laid off.
- Others say they have had their wages cut.
- One chain is said to have cut rehab staff by 30%, according to some sources.
- There is talk that some providers are encouraging or mandating concurrent and group therapy services, instead of one-on-one rehab. However, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has said that PDPM’s 25% limit on group and concurrent therapy is designed to make sure that skilled nursing facility patients receive quality therapy services. The agency also says that one-on-one sessions will continue to be the “significant majority.”
