Healthcare Data GlossaryProvider
SNF: Definition and Healthcare Context
Full name: Skilled Nursing Facility
A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is a Medicare-certified inpatient facility that provides skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. Medicare Part A covers SNF stays after a qualifying three-day inpatient hospital stay. CMS reimburses SNFs under the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). SNF quality data — including staffing levels, inspection results, and quality measures — is published on CMS Care Compare. In 2024, over 15,000 SNFs are certified to participate in Medicare.
Last updated: 2026-06-17Reviewed by: Dr. Jennifer Montecillo, MD — Gullas College of Medicine, 2019. Non-practicing medical reviewer.
How it’s used
- CMS Care Compare (nursing homes): SNF quality ratings including staffing star ratings draw on PBJ payroll data and survey inspection results.
- CMS Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ): SNFs submit daily staffing hours electronically through PBJ, which feeds the staffing domain of the SNF star rating.
- Healthcare Cost Report Information System (HCRIS): SNFs file annual Medicare cost reports that provide facility-level financial and utilization data.
Frequently asked questions
- What is an SNF?
- A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) is a Medicare-certified inpatient facility providing skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services, typically after a hospital stay.
- How does Medicare pay for SNF care?
- Medicare Part A covers SNF stays after a qualifying three-day hospital inpatient admission. CMS pays SNFs using the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM).
- Where can I find SNF quality data?
- SNF inspection results, staffing ratings, and quality measures are published on CMS Care Compare at medicare.gov/care-compare.