“For this to be successful, and for physicians to participate actively, then they need to be a part of that process rather than just some larger corporation or larger hospital system or health plan that's organizing these,” he said.
“We think those are important as well, but we also think it's important that physicians be a part of that leadership,” he added
While there are physicians working in large group practices that have had some experience with bundled payments, most doctors aren't prepared for these types of payment changes, Dr. Wilson said. So the AMA is also recommending that CMS provide technical assistance and data to interested physicians.
Health care consultant Robert Minkin urged physicians to seriously consider applying for the bundling program. The program is a sentinel event in the move from fee for service to more centralized, coordinated care model, he said.
“The implications of bundled payments and other clinical integration models are that we come to a common, best-evidence practice approach to care that manages on a fixed budget,” said Mr. Minkin, senior vice president at the Camden Group. “Physicians who can survive in an environment like that will thrive. For those physicians who have difficulty in those situations, it's going to be very tough.
The program is an opportunity for hospitals to redesign their systems to promote better care coordination.
Source DR. GILFILLAN