Question:
Can you provide information about the new Medicare joint-replacement policy?
Answer:
On April 1, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement a new Medicare Part A and B payment policy—the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Model. Acute-care hospitals in certain selected geographic areas will receive retrospective bundled payments for episodes of care for lower extremity joint replacement (LEJR) or reattachment of a lower extremity. All related care within 90 days of hospital discharge from the joint replacement procedure will be included in the episode of care.
For details about the program, go to the CMS website at https://innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/cjr.