Alternative payment models and urology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) is a historic bill that was recently passed that establishes how quality measurement and practice patterns will affect physician reimbursement. Alternative payment models (APMs) are an essential component of MACRA and Medicare's vision of paying for high-value care. This review describes APMs in the context of MACRA and their impact on urology.

RECENT FINDINGS

The majority of urologists will be affected by MACRA. Both APMs and bundled payments are considered APMs under MACRA. Although most urologists do not currently participate in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Bundled Payments, both models are considered APMs under MACRA and are likely going to gain increasing attention in the coming years.

SUMMARY

APMs will likely become more relevant to urologists' practices in the future, as both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and private payers are transitioning away from fee-for-service towards value-based payment.