The Oncology Care Model is a value-based initiative involving more than 200 physician groups and multiple private payers. Under the model, which kicked off in 2016 and runs through 2021, payers dole out financial incentives to provider groups "to improve care coordination, appropriateness of care, and access for fee-for service (FFS) Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy," according to CMS.
Provider groups involved in the model receive two types of payments that cover a patient's episode of care -- a monthly $160 fee per patient as well as performance incentives awarded to groups that achieve high marks on quality, health outcomes, clinical improvement and other measures.
With 16 private payers involved, including Aetna, Cigna, Highmark and others, practices are testing the model with their non-Medicare patient mix as well.
Physicians and other interested groups can attend the session in person at the CMS central office in Baltimore or tune in via teleconference. Those interested in attending in person
must register by May 4.