Abstract WP311: Early Lessons Learned in the Stroke Bundled Payment Experience

Abstract

Introduction: The Bundled Payments for Care improvement (BPCI) initiative was launched by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2014. Our organization contracted for Model 2, making us responsible for all costs associated with index hospital stay plus 90 days post discharge for straight Medicare patients. It was anticipated that we would find opportunity for reduction in readmission rates, which would lead to reduced cost of care. Analysis of Q1 & Q2 2014 data revealed other opportunities. First, cases coded as non-traumatic Subdural Hematoma (SDH) - regardless of readmission - accounted for significant financial deficit. Second, 67% of patients utilized Post-Acute Care (PAC - SNF, acute rehab, home health) at least once and 54% utilized a second PAC. All patients discharged to acute rehab who then transitioned to SNF exceeded the target price for the bundle. Methods: A case review of SDH episodes revealed that many were traumatic but not documented as such. A summary of these cases was presented to providers with recommendations for appropriate wording to ensure appropriate coding. Education was also provided to coders related to BPCI regarding the impact of clarifying traumatic cause of SDH. Protocols for post-acute management were developed with partners in acute rehab & SNF’s in the region and gain-sharing agreements were developed. Partner facilities reviewed each bundled stroke patient for opportunities to reduce post-acute care LOS. Results: Analysis of Q3 2015 demonstrated that the number of SDH cases in the bundle dropped significantly, improving the financial picture six-fold. A reduction in SNF LOS of 25% was appreciated. Conclusion: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States and post-acute care for a 90 day episode carries a prohibitive cost. Accurate documentation and partnering with post-acute facilities does improve the financial position. Ultimately though, post-acute care - not readmissions - is the major driving force for dollars spent in Stroke BPCI.