To better understand the independent physician practice experience in CMS Innovation Center models, the Partnership to Empower Physician-Led Care (PEPC) reviewed evaluation reports from several CMS Innovation Center models: the ACO Investment Model (AIM), Next Generation ACO (NGACO) Model, Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) Initiative and CPC Plus (CPC+).
This white paper highlights the experience and success of small and independent practices that have participated in CMS Innovation Center Models. Key findings include:
- Independent practices are more agile, flexible, and timely in their implementation of care interventions.
- Independent practices deliver benefits of value-based care directly to patients, with higher enrollment in care management and disease management programs and directly providing acute care to attributed patients.
- Once a model test ends, independent practices generally sustain participation in value-based care by moving into the MSSP or other Innovation Center models.
- Independent practices are uniquely positioned to adapt and provide flexible care delivery in changing circumstances, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Independent practices are more resourced constrained than other practices in some circumstances, often starting from a point of fewer resources when entering a new model, and particularly benefit from models that provide upfront resources to invest in accountable care delivery.
- Competitive dynamics can serve as both a deterrent and accelerator for independent practices participating in value-based care efforts.
To read the full white paper, click here.