CMS testing ACO model for ESRD

CMS announced its Comprehensive ESRD Care initiative to test the use of ESRD Seamless Care Organizations (ESCOs) to improve care and lower treatment costs for Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Each newly created ESCO will assume clinical and financial responsibility for its beneficiaries and will include at least one dialysis facility, a nephrologist, one other Medicare provider or supplier and a minimum of 500 beneficiaries. Each ESCO's performance will be evaluated on quality measures, including preventative health, chronic disease management, care coordination/patient safety, patient/caregiver experience and patient quality of life. ESCOs that improve outcomes based on these measures and lower total Parts A and B costs will be able to share the Medicare savings with CMS.

The initiative is being run through the CMS Innovation Center, which was created by the Affordable Care Act to test new models of delivering healthcare. CMS offers several accountable care organizations, but this would be the first focused on ESRD. Organizations interested in participating must submit a non-binding letter of intent due March 15 and an application due May 1. CMS expects 10-15 ESCOs to participate. ...