In an April 23 release, CMS announce it is seeking input on an alternative payment model that would allow direct provider contracting (DPC) between payers and primary care or multi-specialty groups. CMS asked for comments to inform possible testing for such a model for Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.
Such a system would eliminate the current requirement that providers opt out of Medicare for two years if they are involved in private contracts with Medicare beneficiaries. The request on DPC resulted from comments submitted to the CMS Innovation Center from patients, clinicians and others.
“A DPC model would aim to enhance the beneficiary-physician relationship by providing a platform for physician group practices to provide flexible, accessible, and high-quality care to beneficiaries that have actively chosen this type of care model,” CMS said in the release.
The CMS Innovation Center will be accepting comments through May 25.
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.