President Trump has signed an Executive Order that directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop new nephrology policies to address reducing the number of patients developing kidney failure, increasing the number of kidneys available for transplant, and reducing the number of dialysis treatment at dialysis centers to encourage more in-home kidney dialysis. These policies will take shape in via five new CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation payment models.
According to HHS, “the proposed required End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Treatment Choices (ETC) Model would encourage greater use of home dialysis and kidney transplants for Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD in order to preserve or enhance their quality of care while reducing Medicare expenditures, and the Kidney Care First (KCF) and Comprehensive Kidney Care Contracting (CKCC) Models will test new Medicare payment options that aim to improve the quality of care for patients with kidney disease.”
Additionally, CMS announced four optional models:
- The Kidney Care First (KCF) Model
- The Comprehensive Kidney Care Contracting (CKCC) Graduated Model
- CKCC Professional Model
- The Global Model
These optional payment models are designed to help health care providers reduce the cost and improve the quality of care for patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease and ESRD. These models also aim to delay the need for dialysis and encourage kidney transplantation.
Healthcare and life sciences stakeholders can expect to continue to see policy changes for the foreseeable future so it is better to be prepared ahead of time before they happen. Frier Levitt Government Affairs (FLGA) monitors and forecasts issues of importance for healthcare and life sciences stakeholders, including state and federal legislation and regulation, all presented in a concise, easy to understand and time friendly format. FLGA’s monitoring and forecasting services allow stakeholders to stay educated and engaged on new developments before the trends become mainstream.
With laws and regulations changing all the time, it is imperative for healthcare and life sciences stakeholders and organizations to be proactive instead of reactive. Contact FLGA today to get “in the know” and finally be prepared for the changes ahead.