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Post-acute care could pay off

Post-acute care could pay off New payment systems offer new opportunities, says Kelsey Mellard of PACCR

ARLINGTON, Va. - Providers need to educate themselves on different post-acute care payment models if they want to get a piece of the pie, says Kelsey Mellard.

“(Providers') supplies and technologies are getting accounted for in these payment systems, yet they're not at the table negotiating,” said Mellard, executive director of the Post-Acute Care Center for Research (PACCR), who spoke at the National CRT Leadership and Advocacy Conference in April.

The two most popular models: accountable care organizations and the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative.

In an effort to reduce healthcare costs, the Affordable Care Act called for the formation of ACOs in which healthcare providers work together with hospitals to coordinate care more efficiently. ACOs receive bonuses based on how much they save Medicare.

Under the BPCI initiative, healthcare organizations enter into payment arrangements that include financial and performance accountability for episodes of care.

Don Clayback says it's important for providers to be proactive so that they're not left in the dust.

“Make those sales calls and see how you can play a role,” said Clackback. “Start asking questions amongst your hospitals, your physician groups and your insurance payers. Ask them, 'What are you guys doing (in terms of payment)?' That will lead to a dialogue.”

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