Five things to know:
1. A study analyzed disparities between Black and white patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement surgery before and after Medicare’s Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model was implemented in 2016, according to a June 1 news release. The model gives healthcare organizations a single payment for all services in an episode of care.
2. The study looked at nearly 1.5 million hip replacement surgeries between 2013 and 2018. Five percent of patients were Black.
3. The bundled payment program led to improvements in key outcomes. Black patients saw larger reductions in 90-day and 180-day readmission rates as well as in Medicare payments related to skilled nursing facilities.
4. Researchers could not determine if the model caused reductions in disparities. However, they identified bundled payments as a potential strategy to address racial disparities in healthcare.
5. The study’s findings were published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
