The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a federal group that advises Congress on Medicare, discussed using bundled payments for post-acute services, according to a March 8 presentation.
Five things to know:
1. MedPAC said current fee-for-service policies can result in inaccurate and inequitable payments for post-acute care.
2. Instead, bundled payments could encourage providers to make care more efficient and take on greater accountability for the continuum of care, the federal group said.
3. MedPAC also said a bundled payment model could improve care coordination for Medicare beneficiaries, as the number of transitions between providers would decrease.
4. The federal group also considered a stay-based payment model, but presenters cautioned payments based on stays wouldn't incentivize providers to move from fee-for-service operations.
5. While bundled payments have the potential to shorten episodes, MedPAC analysts said they could inadvertently lead providers to select patients, withhold costly care or base transfer decisions on financial factors, according to the presentation.
For the full presentation, click here.
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