CMS proposes updating ESRD bundling payments to reflect use

CMS issued a proposed rule on Monday that would decrease payments to dialysis facilities by about $780 million in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease includes a 12% cut related to the reduction in the bundled payment rate for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients to reflect the actual use of drugs and biologics. The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 required a reduction to payments to reflect the actual usage by comparing data from 2007 to 2012. CMS is seeking comments on whether the adjustment should be phased in over more than a one-year period. ...