CMS calls for extending Diabetes Prevention Program into Medicare, proposes new doc fees to boost chronic care
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is proposing to expand the Diabetes Prevention Program, which was hatched at the CMS Innovation Center, into Medicare beginning Jan. 1, 2018.
If approved, the shift would allow Medicare suppliers, recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to submit claims to Medicare for providing diabetes prevention services.
CMS plans to establish a process for suppliers to enroll in the program so they can furnish services and bill Medicare as soon as possible after the program becomes effective.
"Through expansion of the Diabetes Prevention Program, beneficiaries across the nation will be able to access a community-based intervention that prevents diabetes and keeps people healthy," Patrick Conway, MD, chief medical officer at CMS, said in a statement. "Today's proposal is an exciting milestone for prevention and population health."
[Also: CMS calls for 90-day reporting in 2016 and easing meaningful use Stage 3 EHR objectives]
The agency also called for improving how Medicare pays for services provided by primary care physicians and other practitioners for patients with multiple chronic conditions, mental and behavioral health issues, cognitive impairment or mobility-related deficiencies.
CMS' new Physician Fee Schedule, released July 7, would place more emphasis on care coordination, primary care and mental health.
The updates in payments would take effect in calendar year 2017.
"Today's proposals are intended to give a significant lift to the practice of primary care and to boost the time a physician can spend with their patients listening, advising and coordinating their care – both for physical and mental health," said CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt in a statement.
"If this rule is finalized, it will put our nation's money where its mouth is by continuing to recognize the importance of prevention, wellness, and mental health and chronic disease management."
CMS will accept comments on the proposed rule until Sept. 6, 2016, and will respond to comments in a final rule. The proposed rule will appear in the July 15, 2016, Federal Register and can be downloaded from the Federal Register.
Twitter: @Bernie_HITN
Email the writer: bernie.monegain@himssmedia.com
