CMS wants to bump pay for hospices, SNFs next year

The agency is considering making changes to several pay models, COVID-19 pandemic policies and quality measurements.  »

CMMI pauses new Direct Contracting model applications

The decision could force Next Generation accountable care organizations into the Medicare Shared Savings Program next year unless the agency makes more changes.

CMS wants to boost payments over 2% for inpatient rehab, psych facilities

Regulators also plan to require inpatient rehabilitation and psychiatric facilities to report COVID-19 vaccine coverage among their healthcare personnel.

40 Oregon providers, insurers sign value-based care pact

Forty healthcare organizations signed a voluntary compact that aims to tie 70% of their payments to capitation and other alternative payment models by 2024.

Hospital prices for the same procedures vary by up to 8 times

At Sutter Health's Novato Community Hospital, commercial prices ranged more than five-fold for an upper gastrointestinal biopsy.

CMS boosts reimbursement for administering COVID-19 vaccinations

CMS' average payment for COVID-19 immunizations will jump from $28 to $40 for single-dose vaccines and $45 to $80 for two-dose vaccines. But reimbursement varies depending on what type of provider carries out the immunization and where it's located.

MedPAC cautious on permanent telehealth expansion

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recommended that policymakers continue some expanded telehealth services for one to two years after the public health emergency ends to allow for studies on telehealth's effects on Medicare access, quality, cost and fraud.

MedPAC likely to recommend CMS simplify alternative payment models

Several commissioners argued that the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's draft recommendation wouldn't go far enough but said it would be a step in the right direction.

Bundled payments reduce surgery costs by 10.7%

Joint replacement, spinal fusion and gastrointestinal surgeries were on average $4,229 less when providers charged a set price.

Coordinated payment policies could speed transition to value, experts say

Experts recommended that CMS promote equity with advanced payment models that prioritize reducing disparities and tie financial performance to health equity outcomes.