Medicare CMI Rankings
Case Mix Index Performance by Discipline
Understanding CMI and Why It Matters
Case Mix Index (CMI) measures the clinical complexity and resource intensity of patients treated by your facility. A higher CMI indicates you're treating more medically complex patients requiring skilled interventions, which directly impacts:
- Medicare Reimbursement: Higher CMI = higher per-diem rates under PDPM
- Quality Perception: Demonstrates capability to handle complex cases
- Competitive Positioning: Attracts referrals for high-acuity patients
- Revenue Optimization: Maximizes payment for services provided
Universal CMI Optimization Principles
Document all comorbidities, functional limitations, and skilled interventions
• Use specific ICD-10 codes for all diagnoses
• Detail cognitive and functional impairments
• Record all medications and medical equipment
Identify and document patient complexity factors that drive CMI
• Multiple comorbidities (diabetes, COPD, CHF)
• Cognitive impairments (dementia, delirium)
• High fall risk and safety concerns
Share clinical insights across PT, OT, SLP, and nursing teams
• Weekly case conferences on complex patients
• Cross-discipline treatment planning
• Unified documentation standards
Ensure MDS assessments accurately reflect patient status
• Review Section GG functional scores
• Validate cognitive assessment (BIMS)
• Confirm therapy minutes and modalities