No, PDPM is not going to save time

The question of cost savings from PDPM and how it will impact RNAC coding time keeps coming up.  CMS keeps touting that this will result in a big reduction in staff time needed to complete the extra assessments.  While I agree that there will be some reduction, especially in monitoring of COTs, EOTs, SOTs, etc., we will continue  to monitor patient's status for changes in payment related to the IPA (Interim Payment Assessment).  Additionally, we will have extra management time in trying to establish Medicare versus managed care, managed care PDPM or RUGs IV or levels, etc.  Any time savings realized through the reduced assessments will be eaten up quickly by managing all the different payment models as well as monitoring for changes in payment levels.