CMS launches ACO dialysis model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today announced the participants for the Comprehensive ESRD Care Model, a new accountable care organization model for Medicare patients with end-stage renal disease. The model brings together dialysis facilities, nephrologists and other providers to form ESRD Seamless Care Organizations to coordinate care for ESRD beneficiaries. The ESCOs will be financially accountable for quality outcomes and Medicare Part A and B spending for their ESRD beneficiaries. CMS issued an open call for applications for the CEC Model in April 2014. “This new ACO model represents a paradigm shift in care for beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease; it promotes a patient-centered approach to their dialysis and non-dialysis care needs that will help accomplish our delivery system reform goals of better care, smarter spending, and healthier people,” said Patrick Conway, M.D., CMS acting deputy administrator and chief medical officer.