The Comprehensive Joint Replacement (CJR) programs is a “hot-button” issue in the home health industry, and as a Home Health Therapy company we had the unique position to hear how multiple home health agencies were preparing for them. One of the reasons there was a large interest in figuring out the best way to work with this initiative was because it was mandatory to participate in it, that said it looks like CMS is now moving towards making the program (and others) voluntary. Below is an excerpt from an article written by Amy Baxter of Home Health Care News, follow the link below to read the full version.
“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed to cancel mandatory bundled payment models and make changes to an existing bundled payment initiative focused on joint replacements.
The proposal aligns with what home health stakeholders have called for, as some have stated the mandatory bundles were being implemented too fast.
Specifically, CMS is moving to scrap the Episode Payment Models and Cardiac Rehabilitation incentive payment model, which were scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2018.”
