Rockville, Md. – The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative was designed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to lower Medicare payments while maintaining or improving patient health outcomes. A new study of outcomes reported directly by patients, published in the journal Medical Care, finds that the BPCI initiative met its goal of maintaining patient health outcomes, including among beneficiaries who may be especially vulnerable to reductions in care. The study, conducted by Abt Global and the Lewin Group for CMS, is the latest in a series of evaluations of the CMS BPCI initiative.
For this study, Abt surveyed four groups of beneficiaries: low-income beneficiaries, beneficiaries with dementia, beneficiaries with recent institutional care, and beneficiaries identified as racial/ethnic minorities who were treated at hospitals for heart failure, sepsis, pneumonia, or who received a knee or hip replacement. Patients at BPCI-participating hospitals reported no difference in their functional health status. However, beneficiaries with congestive heart failure, sepsis, and pneumonia were less likely to indicate positive care experiences in at least one of the four groups of beneficiaries studied.
“The good news is we continue to see positive similar outcomes for patients, even as BPCI was associated with reduced Medicare payments, and even for these patients who could be considered more vulnerable,” said the study’s lead author, Abt’s Sean McClellan, Ph.D.
The findings are in keeping with previous studies, which have reduced Medicare payments without diminished outcomes in broader groups of patients treated for the same health issues.
Read more about the study.
About Abt Global
Abt Global is a global consulting and research firm that uses data and bold thinking to improve the quality of people’s lives. From combatting infectious disease and conducting rigorous program evaluations, to ensuring safe drinking water and promoting access to affordable housing—and more—we partner with clients and communities to tackle their most complex challenges. https://www.abtglobal.com
Contact:
Eric Tischler
eric_tischler@abtassoc.com
(301) 347-5492
Read Our Latest News
Record Number of People Experienced Homelessness in 2024
Homelessness rose 18 percent in 2024 to a record, according to HUD’s Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, which Abt Global helps put together.
Abt to Evaluate Sickle Cell Disease Treatment; Improve Quality in Nursing Homes, Post-Acute Care Settings
Abt Global is helping CMS determine whether a new program increases access to cell and gene therapy treatment while reducing healthcare costs.
Abt to Manage Australia’s Main Development Program for Fiji
The Australian Government recently awarded Abt Global a contract to manage a $90 million umbrella program covering half of Australia’s development assistance to Fiji.
Abt Leads Decision Support for FCDO Land Governance Programme
Abt Global Britain has been appointed to lead the Decision Support Unit of the Land Facility, funded by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.