New CMS Pilot Intends to Test Viability of a Universal Bundled-Payment Model for Inpatient Care
Nearly 500 healthcare organizations nationwide to participate in payment bundling for 48 Conditions
Medicare’s largest bundled reimbursement project to date is now launching. Clinical laboratory executives and pathologists are watching for clues as to how these bundled payment arrangements will compensate the clinical laboratory testing done on behalf of patients whose care is covered by this latest Medicare initiative.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will commence implementation of Phase 1 of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative. This will be a three-year project that will test the viability of a universal bundled payment system to improve coordination and quality of care and lower costs. It is also the largest bundled-payment pilot to date, with nearly 500 participants, according to a story published by Healthcare Finance News.
One major goal of this Medicare project is to begin moving providers from the current fee-for-payment model to a single, lump-sum payment model. This would be true for all Medicare Part A and Part B services provided during one episode of care. (more…)
