AAHKS Comments on CMS Episode-Based Payment Model RFI

This week, AAHKS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for their Request For Information from the Innovation Center on the future of episode-based payment models. AAHKS again expressed concern about the continued downturn in reimbursement for physicians, including the role of episode-based payment models, in driving down Medicare fee for service provider payment rates. Specifically, the letter referenced the “rapidly increasing reimbursement rates to facilities for arthroplasty paired with severe cuts to the professional services for those procedures” and the make-up of clinical episodes for future models. In addition, our comments addressed participation and leadership in these models, health equity and quality measurement. For more information, read our letter.