Case mix of public patients in skilled nursing facilities in Connecticut

The case mix of publicly funded residents in 73 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in two Connecticut counties was examined. Data collected in 1980-1981 for utilization review by a professional standards review organization were used for the analysis. The findings indicate that considerable variation exists in case mix across the SNFs. Medicaid per diem rates, which are based on historic costs, have a low and negative correlation with case mix. Case mix indices are significantly higher for rural facilities, with a for-profit type of ownership, and with less than 75% of the bed days devoted to Medicaid residents.