The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the attached proposed rule that would cancel the episode payment models (EPMs) and the cardiac rehabilitation incentive payment model, scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2018. The proposed rule would also reduce the number of mandatory metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) participating in the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, including two in California: Modesto and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim remains on CMS’ list of MSAs for mandatory participation.
In addition, CMS proposes to exempt rural hospitals and low-volume hospitals located in the mandatory participation MSAs from required participation in the CJR model beginning in February 2018, and allow them instead to make a one-time voluntary participation election.
This content is restricted to members.
