CMS announces key dates for Direct Contracting Model

In response to questions from stakeholders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday released a calendar of key dates for the Medicare Direct Contracting Model, which offers two performance-based primary care payment options for hospitals that employ clinicians, critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. The calendar, which is subject to change, also includes important dates for the Medicare Shared Savings Program to help inform participation decisions for applicants interested in both initiatives.