Michael Barbella, Managing Editor08.25.23
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has submitted comments to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) in response to a request for information it released last month about developing Episode-Based Payment Models (CMS-5540-NC).
In an Aug. 17 letter, AAOS expressed its support for engaging physicians in designing and implementing alternative payment models and urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider the impact that interoperability, multi-payer alignment of measures, and administrative burden have on doctors' ability to participate in alternative payment models.
As a thought leader in reducing the complexities of value-based care and as clinical experts delivering high-value, patient-centered musculoskeletal care, AAOS shared its insights and recommendations, which include:
"The AAOS is excited to partner with CMS and offer our expertise based on our extensive experience with the design, implementation, and evaluation of value-based payment models. As leaders in payment model transformation, the AAOS is well-positioned to ensure that changes to the way hospitals and physicians are paid for their services ultimately provides value to Medicare beneficiaries and their families, while reducing the administrative burden on the healthcare system," AAOS President Kevin J. Bozic, M.D., wrote.
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons Office of Government Relations promotes and advocates the orthopedic community's viewpoint before federal and state legislative, regulatory, and executive agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., with additional staff in the Academy's headquarters in Rosemont, Ill., the Office of Government Relations identifies, analyzes, and directs all health policy activities and initiatives to position AAOS as a leader in advancing musculoskeletal health.
In an Aug. 17 letter, AAOS expressed its support for engaging physicians in designing and implementing alternative payment models and urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to consider the impact that interoperability, multi-payer alignment of measures, and administrative burden have on doctors' ability to participate in alternative payment models.
As a thought leader in reducing the complexities of value-based care and as clinical experts delivering high-value, patient-centered musculoskeletal care, AAOS shared its insights and recommendations, which include:
- Expanding alternative payment model episodes beyond 30 days and encouraging the agency to consider episodes longer than 90 days
- Only considering voluntary models with participation incentives—as a mandatory model would not be in the best interest of collaborative, patient-centered care
- Ensuring that barriers, such as interoperability, multi-payer alignment of measures, and administrative burden are resolved in future models
- Finding an approach that allows downstream risk sharing with orthopedic surgeons
- Exploring a pilot program for managing chronic and prevalent conditions by orthopedic surgeons
"The AAOS is excited to partner with CMS and offer our expertise based on our extensive experience with the design, implementation, and evaluation of value-based payment models. As leaders in payment model transformation, the AAOS is well-positioned to ensure that changes to the way hospitals and physicians are paid for their services ultimately provides value to Medicare beneficiaries and their families, while reducing the administrative burden on the healthcare system," AAOS President Kevin J. Bozic, M.D., wrote.
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons Office of Government Relations promotes and advocates the orthopedic community's viewpoint before federal and state legislative, regulatory, and executive agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., with additional staff in the Academy's headquarters in Rosemont, Ill., the Office of Government Relations identifies, analyzes, and directs all health policy activities and initiatives to position AAOS as a leader in advancing musculoskeletal health.