Understanding MACRA and the Quality Payment Program Part 8

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding the major advanced APM options helps medical groups and billing teams assess whether a model may be relevant to their organization’s care delivery and reporting strategy. It also provides context for how CMS is shaping participation pathways for different practice settings.

Article Sections

1. Advanced APMs for 2017

   Introduces the article’s focus on advanced alternative payment models and the CMS effort to expand participation opportunities. Sets up the list of models discussed in the remainder of the article.

2. Comprehensive End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Care Model

   Describes a CMS model focused on care improvement for beneficiaries with ESRD and references the participating organizations. Provides background on how the model relates to accountable care approaches.

3. Comprehensive Primary Care Plus

   Summarizes a national primary care model centered on practice transformation and multi-payer payment reform. Notes its structure for primary care practices and participation scale.

4. Next Generation ACO Model

   Explains an accountable care model designed around predictable financial targets and care coordination. Places the model in the broader ACO and quality-improvement context.

5. The Medicare Shared Savings Program Track 2 and Track 3

   Covers the Shared Savings Program and its relationship to accountable care organizations. Discusses its role in Medicare delivery system reform and participation by providers, hospitals, and suppliers.

6. Oncology Care Model

   Introduces a specialty payment and delivery model for oncology care. Notes its focus on coordinated care, episode-based arrangements, and participation by physician practices and payers.

7. Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model

   Reviews a bundled payment model related to common inpatient joint replacement episodes. Highlights the involvement of hospitals, physicians, and post-acute care providers.

8. Vermont Medicare ACO Initiative (as part of the Vermont All-Payer ACO Model)

   Describes Vermont’s statewide accountable care approach involving multiple payer types under a shared payment structure. Places the initiative within CMS’s broader alternative payment model testing efforts.

9. Closing thoughts and next topic preview

   Ends with a brief recap of the advanced APM landscape and a preview of the next article topic. Reinforces the article’s educational purpose without adding new model details.