A5 Tips for a Successful In-House Therapy Program in 2026
Rising medical costs and increasing payer scrutiny continue to reshape the post-acute care landscape in 2026. Skilled nursing facilities and post-acute providers face tighter reimbursement models, heightened documentation requirements, and growing pressure to demonstrate measurable outcomes. For many organizations, transitioning to or optimizing an in-house therapy program is a strategic way to regain control—but success requires more than bringing therapy services under your own roof.
Whether you’re newly considering an in-house model or looking to strengthen an existing program, these five tips can help set your therapy department up for long-term success.
1. Start with a Clear Reimbursement Strategy
In-house therapy programs must be built with reimbursement in mind from day one. Models such as PDPM and PDGM tie payment directly to resident characteristics, clinical complexity, and documentation accuracy. Without a strong reimbursement strategy, facilities risk leaving revenue on the table. Strategic healthcare reimbursement support helps ensure your therapy services are aligned with payer expectations while accurately capturing the care being delivered.
2. Invest in Documentation and Coding Accuracy
Documentation is the foundation of financial and clinical success. According to HAP data, 35% of MDS assessments miss coding that would more accurately reflect resident needs, which leads to underpayment. In an in-house model, therapy, nursing, and MDS teams must work collaboratively to capture clinical complexity in real time. Proactive coding reviews and enhanced analytics go far beyond basic scrubbing software, helping ensure appropriate reimbursement and compliance.
3. Build the Right Staffing and Workflow Model
Staffing decisions directly impact outcomes, efficiency, and cost control. Successful in-house programs focus on the right mix of therapists, assistants, and leaders while establishing workflows that support productivity without sacrificing care quality. Clear expectations, performance metrics, and communication channels allow therapy teams to operate efficiently while remaining patient-centered.
4. Prioritize Quality Oversight and Performance Management
An in-house therapy program should strengthen, not compromise, quality outcomes. Ongoing quality management and performance oversight help identify risks early, monitor trends, and ensure care aligns with regulatory and payer standards. Regular reporting, including case mix index (CMI) trends and patient-level reimbursement impact, provides leadership with the visibility needed to make informed decisions.
5. Partner for Ongoing Support and Expertise
Transitioning to an in-house therapy model is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Facilities that partner with experienced advisors gain access to real-time interventions, training, and guidance tailored to their specific needs. With the right support, providers can capture appropriate reimbursement while care is being delivered, rather than trying to correct missed opportunities later.
How Health Advisory Partners Supports In-House Therapy Success
Health Advisory Partners (HAP) helps providers confidently transition to and manage successful in-house therapy programs. From PDPM and PDGM consulting to management reporting, quality management, and financial strategy, HAP delivers individualized, real-time solutions designed to protect revenue and drive outcomes. On average, HAP clients realize over 150% ROI by ensuring documentation and coding accurately reflect the care provided.
Contact Health Advisory Partners today to learn how we can support your in-house therapy program now and into the future.
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