On November 16, 2016, CMS posted the final rule to implement the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, which is a new Medicare payment model intended to hold acute care hospitals financially accountable for the quality and cost of a CJR episode of care and incentivize increased coordination of care among hospitals, physicians, and post-acute care providers. The regulations are effective on January 15, 2016, and applicable on April 1, 2016 when the first model performance period begins.

Under the 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. An episode of care begins with an admission to a participant hospital of a beneficiary who is ultimately discharged under Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) 469 (Major joint replacement or reattachment of lower extremity with major complications or comorbidities) or 470 (Major joint replacement or reattachment of lower extremity without major complications or comorbidities) and ends 90 days post-discharge in order to cover the complete period of recovery for beneficiaries. All related items and services paid under Medicare Part A and Part B for all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries are included in the episode, except for certain exclusions.Continue Reading CMS Issues Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) Model Final Rule