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On January 26, Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell announced an initiative to shift the Medicare system more towards payment based upon alternative payments models. This marks the first time in Medicare’s history that HHS has set explicit goals for further establishing alternative payment models and value-based payments.
HHS has set a goal to have 85% of all Medicare fee-for-service payments tied to quality or value by 2016, and 90% by 2018. HHS's target is to have 30% of Medicare payments tied to quality or value through alternative payment models by the end of 2016, and 50% of payments by the end of 2018. Alternative payment models hold providers accountable for the quality and cost of the care they deliver to patients. Current examples of alternative payment models include accountable care organizations (ACOs) and bundled-payment arrangements. To assist in these goals, HHS announced the creation of the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network, which is designed to spread value-based payment models to other segments of the health insurance market, including employer-based coverage and state Medicaid programs. The Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network is scheduled to meet in March.
As leaders in patient safety, ASA is dedicated to quality improvement. That’s one of the reasons ASA supports the Perioperative Surgical Home, a home model of care that integrates the care of surgical patients from start to finish throughout the health care system. The Perioperative Surgical Home improves patient experience, promotes overall health, and reduces costs while also aligning with efforts to promote alternative payment models.
ASA will continue to monitor this initiative and how it may impact physician anesthesiologists.
