In the context of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), NTA stands for Non-Therapy Ancillaries.
Understanding Non-Therapy Ancillaries (NTA) in PDPM
The Non-Therapy Ancillaries (NTA) component is one of the five case-mix components that make up the per diem payment rate for residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) under the PDPM system. Unlike the therapy components (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology), the NTA component accounts for costs associated with items and services that are not directly related to therapy interventions but are necessary for patient care.
As highlighted by the reference:
The Non-Therapy Ancillaries (NTA) component of PDPM can significantly increase revenue depending on MDS and ICD-10 coding.
How NTA Impacts PDPM Payment
The NTA component's contribution to the daily payment rate is determined by points assigned to specific patient characteristics, diagnoses, and services captured through accurate MDS (Minimum Data Set) assessments and ICD-10 coding.
- Coding is Key: The reference explicitly states that the NTA component's impact on revenue is highly dependent on precise MDS and ICD-10 coding. Accurately documenting conditions and services is crucial for capturing all relevant NTA points.
- Case Mix Adjustment: Patients with conditions or needs that trigger NTA points are placed into a specific NTA case-mix group, which adjusts the per diem rate.
- Revenue Implications: Because different conditions and services yield varying numbers of NTA points, proper documentation can lead to a higher NTA component and, consequently, a higher overall payment rate.
Examples of NTA Factors (General Concept)
While the provided reference doesn't list specific examples, Non-Therapy Ancillaries generally include costs associated with:
- Certain complex diagnoses (e.g., morbid obesity, specific infectious diseases)
- Medical treatments and procedures (e.g., intravenous medications, transfusions)
- Supplies and equipment (e.g., specialized wound care supplies, oxygen)
Each of these factors, when accurately documented on the MDS and through ICD-10 codes, contributes points towards the NTA score, influencing the patient's NTA case-mix group and the facility's reimbursement.
In summary, NTA in PDPM refers to the Non-Therapy Ancillaries component, a critical part of the payment calculation that accounts for non-therapy related costs and whose revenue impact is heavily reliant on accurate clinical documentation and coding.
