Cerner and naviHealth launch EHR-agnostic tool to support BPCI Advanced participants
Health IT giant and convener expand partnership to help health systems with 2020 model for bundled payment reimbursement.
In preparation for the next BPCI Advanced model in January 2020, Cerner and naviHealth have expanded their partnership to launch an electronic health record-agnostic solution to help health systems navigate bundled payment arrangements.
naviHealth is a convener for health systems taking part in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced program.
The solution combines naviHealth's predictive assessment tools and care management expertise in post-acute care with Cerner's tech and workflow integration to help BPCI Advanced participants get reimbursement for the 32 CMS-defined episodes of care or chronic conditions, the companies said.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The expanded partnership between health IT giant Cerner and naviHealth marks another important development in this sector of predefined reimbursement.
Despite largely expected drop-outs, there's been a surge of interest in the advanced bundled payment model, which is designed to encourage coordination and cost transparency, reduce inefficiencies, and help providers shift to value-based care. The program counts as an advanced alternative payment model under MACRA.
CMS made tweaks to the BPCI program, such as removing the 50 percent cap on the net payment reconciliation amount, or NPRA shared payments and partner distribution payments. This imposed cap had limited the earnings of physician groups.
TREND
naviHealth is among the largest risk-sharing partners in the BPCI Advanced program, providing services in 22 states to more than 140 hospital partners. Cerner, meanwhile, is in the midst of implementing strategic and operational changes to boost operating margins and client focus.
The project is the next step in a five-year collaboration between Cerner and naviHealth, which saw the companies work together to streamline electronic workflows for post-acute discharge.
ON THE RECORD
"Cerner is strongly committed to the ongoing push by CMS to advance the BPCI program," said Don Trigg, executive vice president of strategic growth at Cerner. "naviHealth has a proven post-acute care track record and an established bundled payment solution. We are excited for our technology to facilitate their go-to-market approach."
Deirdre Fulton is communications professional and freelancer based in Maine.
On Twitter: @deirdrefulton
