Hospice providers are seeking greater clarity when it comes to quality incentives in the Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access and Community Health (ACO REACH) program. Introduced in late February, ACO REACH replaces the Global and Professional Direct Contracting (GPDC) models. CMS indicated that the program reflects its refreshed priorities for payment system demonstrations. Among…
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) in October announced a “strategy refresh” that would guide development of its future payment models. If executed effectively, the strategy could make a substantial difference in hospice and palliative care as well as the health care system at large, a trio of experts told Hospice News. The…
Hospice providers are increasingly turning to data analytics systems to gain an edge against competitors when engaging prospective referral partners, anticipating impacts in value-based care. Data are key to demonstrating the value of hospice to potential referral partners as evolving value-based payment models take effect. The value-based insurance design demonstration project, commonly called the Medicare…
A robust hospice mergers and acquisitions market is showing no signs of slumping as interest among strategic buyers and private equity investors ramps up. A provider’s performance within evolving value-based payment models may become a factor that potential buyers consider when eyeing a hospice acquisition, particularly as it pertains to their quality and outcomes data….
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) remains committed to moving the health care system towards value-based care in the early years of the Biden Administration, though the center’s leadership is doing some soul-searching on how best to pursue its mission, according to CMMI’s new director Liz Fowler. Fowler made her first public remarks…
Keeping patients calm and comfortable during treatment of a serious illness—that’s the goal of palliative care. “Often patients are fearful when they hear the term palliative care because it’s often associated with hospice. We are trying to dispel some of that fear because quality at any stage of an illness is important,” said Dr. Jonathan…