CMS opens second application period for BPCI Advanced model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is accepting applications through June 24 to participate in its second cohort of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced Model, which will start in January 2020. CMS does not plan any additional application opportunities for the model, an Advanced Alternative Payment model that launched last October and will run through 2023. Participants assume risk for patients' health care costs and can qualify for incentive payments and exemption from reporting requirements under Medicare's Quality Payment Program for clinicians if they meet certain quality and other requirements. Acute-care hospitals and physician group practices may apply as non-conveners, meaning they initiate clinical episodes under the model, or as conveners, meaning they bear risk for multiple downstream clinical episode initiators. Post-acute care providers and accountable care organizations may apply to participate as conveners. For more on the model, visit https://innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/bpci-advanced.