New bundled payment model gives providers entry to advanced APMs

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand a major Medicare payment model that can affect provider participation, financial accountability, quality reporting, and eligibility for advanced APM status.

Article Sections

1. Bundled payments and model overview

   Introduces the CMS bundled payment initiative and the basic structure of the program. It frames the model as part of the broader advanced APM landscape.

2. Episode structure and provider attribution

   Describes how the model organizes care into inpatient and outpatient episodes and discusses how attribution is determined when multiple provider types are involved.

3. Timing of clinical episodes

   Explains when an episode begins and how long it continues for inpatient and outpatient care. It also notes the relationship to broader surgical timing concepts.

4. Eligible inpatient episodes and payment implications

   Summarizes categories of episodes included on the inpatient side and outlines the general relationship between spending, target pricing, and financial accountability.

5. Advanced APM participation, quality measures, and application process

   Covers the incentives tied to advanced APM participation, the quality measure framework, and the steps and timing for applying to the program.