Explain the role of ROM in risk-adjusted payment and how CDI influences ROM scores.

• A. ROM is the standard of care measure; CDI has no effect on ROM.
• B. ROM indicates predicted mortality risk; affects DRG weighting; thorough documentation of high-risk conditions can elevate ROM when appropriate.
• C. ROM is a billing code used for risk adjustment; CDI reduces ROM automatically.
• D. ROM is an audit score for chart completeness; CDI lowers ROM when documentation is poor.

Answer: (B)