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CMS-1403-FC
Comment: Commenters raised concern regarding the use
of financial incentives to combat healthcare-associated
conditions. Many commenters suggested that CMS should
encourage compliance with evidence-based guidelines rather
than use direct payment adjustments to address
healthcare-associated conditions in the physician office
setting.
Response: We agree that it is important for Medicare
providers to provide care that is consistent with
evidence-based guidelines. We intend to consider all of our
statutory and regulatory authorities, including the
implementation of quality measures and payment adjustments,
to encourage provision of care that is consistent with
evidence-based guidelines. We look forward to working with
stakeholders to further identify and apply available methods
to combat healthcare-acquired conditions.
Comment: Many commenters supported the alignment of
incentives across all Medicare settings of care.
Response: We appreciate the public’s support of our
efforts to align incentives across all Medicare payment
settings. We look forward to working with stakeholders to
expand VBP initiatives in all Medicare payment settings.
Further, we intend to host a public listening session toward
the end of CY 2008 to discuss the expansion of the HAC
payment provision, specifically targeting both the inpatient
and hospital outpatient department (HOPD) settings of care.
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