How Norwood changed an organization’s CMI trajectory–to the tune of $2.56M

A drop in case mix index (CMI) isn’t necessarily indicative of a problem. A high-performing surgeon leaves your hospital, observation cases tick up seasonally, and you get a short-term drop.  

But flagging CMI over time warrants a closer look.  

Last year Norwood was asked to partner with an organization to focus on assessing and improving CDI performance. The CFO asked for an initial focus on CMI lift after long-term financial concerns.  

Norwood placed a three-person team to help drive change, including a CDI manager and two CDI specialists starting in mid-September 2025.  

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Preliminary Impact: $2.56M in 7 Months 

• Year-over-year CMI (same period) increased from 1.65 to 1.71: A total of 0.06, or 3.52%  

• Estimated impact to date: $2.56M across 8,116 cases. 

Improvement despite headwinds 

• The 2026 CMS policy to eliminate the inpatient-only list reduced impact, driving some prior IP surgical cases to OP 

• Surgical case rate dropped from 24.4% in the baseline period to 24.2% in the performance period. 

Flatlined CDI performance? We’ll change your trajectory 

We analyze your performance against like peers, perform a thorough chart analysis, and develop an actionable strategy to get you moving again.  

If you need on-demand talent to augment your staff and improve chart coverage we supply that as well. 

You’d be surprised what a fresh perspective brings. 

Start the conversation: Contact us at consulting@norwood.com