Preparing Radiology For Alternative Payment Models

On January 26, 2015 the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced two ambitious goals that have a significant impact on radiology: One half of all Medicare payment to physicians and hospitals will be made through alternative payment models (ie, medical homes and accountable care organizations) by 2018 and 85% of all fee-for-service payments will be tied to quality or value by 2016, with 90% by 2018. Shifting from fee-for-service reimbursement in Medicare to a pay-for-performance model has been long been an aspiration of HHS. However, this is the first time HHS has set explicit numerical goals for alternative payment models and value-based payments. Secretary Burwell also announced the creation of a Health Care Payment and Learning and Action Network that will work with private health insurers, providers, employers, and state Medicaid programs to hasten the spread of alternative payment models outside of Medicare. The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have voiced their support for this plan moving forward.

Source: UBM Partner Site Diagnostic Imaging - For full article, please click here.