HCA extends deadline to apply to offer joint replacements with bundled payment

The Health Care Authority has extended its deadline to February 1 for providers to apply to offer total joint replacements using bundled payments for its coverage for state employees. Click here to view the request for proposals. The proposal, based on the episode of care established by the Bree Collaborative, includes establishment of patient disability and failure of more conservative treatment, determination of fitness for surgery, use of evidence-based surgical practices, and standardized post-operative care. The HCA is also seeking proposals from providers looking to become third party administrators of the Bundled Payment Centers of Excellence program; the deadline to apply is February 5. Click here to see the request for proposals for third party administrators. Bundled payments allow payment to be tied to an episode of care, improving health care quality, outcomes and affordability. The bundled payment program will take effect January 1, 2017. Click here to see additional resources. (Claudia Sanders)