The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that an additional 4,122 new providers have indicated interest in its Bundled Payments for Care Initiative (BPCI), joining about 2,000 participants who were already exploring the possibility of participating in the program. CMS has entered into contracts with 243 providers at this point in time.
The BPCI, which began in January 2013, is composed of four broadly defined models of care that link payments for multiple services beneficiaries receive during an episode of care. Under the initiative, organizations enter into payment arrangements that include financial and performance accountability for episodes of care. These models may lead to higher quality and more coordinated care at a lower cost to Medicare.
Durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) are specifically included in both Models 2 and 3, according to the BPCI Fact Sheet. While not specifically mentioned, O&P care and devices will be covered under Model 4 if provided during that model’s criteria, according to a CMS spokesperson.
For more information, read “CMS Announces Bundled payments for Care Improvement Initiative Participants,” or visit the CMS Newsroom Center webpage.
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by Lexology.com
