CMS gives providers another week to decide whether to jump into BPCI Advanced
The appeal of Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced is in it qualifying as an advanced APM but concerns remain over target pricing.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has delayed by a week the deadline for healthcare organizations to decide whether to participate in the latest episode payment model, the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced.
The original due date to submit signed participation agreements was August 1. It is now August 8.
BPCI Advanced qualifies as an advanced alternative payment model under MACRA's quality payment program, giving participants the ability to both take on risk and to reap any savings rewards.
The American Hospital Association had requested a delay in implementation, citing a lack of operational detail, especially over target pricing.
[Also: Transforming bundled payments into episodes of care can give hospitals, payers an edge]
Many applicants did not receive their data until well into June and others have yet to receive it, the AHA said in a June 21 letter to CMS.
Participants in the program are still expected to be announced in September.
CMS reported high interest in the bundled payment program.
In February, CMS urged hospitals to apply by the March deadline and to wait for further target pricing information to make up their minds by the August deadline.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
