Analysis: Movement seen on overdue Medicare Discharge Planning Rule

In 2015, CMS released a proposed rule that would change the Medicare discharge planning requirements. Among other things, the proposed rule would require hospitals to provide patients with quality and other data to help guide their selection of a post-acute care provider.

However, the final rule is long overdue. Well, it looks like the wait is almost over as the rule was sent to the Office of Management and Budget this week for review which means we should have it before the pools close in September.

Takeaway

Although most Medicare APMs allow for a data-driven patient education about PAC options, there is still some confusion around what is permitted due to concerns about inappropriately steering patients. Having the rule in place will go a long way to clearing up such concerns and could accelerate APM performance.