CMS Announces Another Delay in Implementing New Payment Models

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in the May 19, 2017 Federal Register, that they will again delay the final rule that implements three new Medicare Parts A and B episode payment models (EPMs), the cardiac rehabilitation incentive payment model, as well as changes to the existing comprehensive care for joint replacement (CCJR) model. The delay in the CCJR regulation amendments will allow CMS to maintain and align policy changes with the EPMs. The final rule will now become effective on January 1, 2018.