Finally the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has locked its rules for the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Program (CCJR). The CMS has made certain important changes in the program.

The changes have been introduced and one of the most important one is that the start date of the CCJR has been shifted from January 1, 2016, to April 1, 2016. But it shall, however, be noted that one rule remains the same that the five-year demonstration covers is active for almost all the hospital in the region.

One of the other changes involves reduction in the number of regions where the program will be applicable. Now the number of regions has been reduced from 75 to 67. Some regions have been spared because there had very less joint replacement cases.

Under the program, aggregate payment is required for care required that involve hip or knee replacement surgery. The payment is utilized at the time of hospitalization and in the post-discharge care that lasts for 90 days.

Those hospitals having the bundled payments come under the budget they will receive a bonus. And, if they spend more than the budget then they will owe money to CMS. It will also be required to meet the quality requirements.

As per the CMS, bundling payments option has been chosen to provide more effective and efficient care. CMS will provide Medicare spending to CCJR program providers so that best practices are shared. Richard Pollack, president of the American Hospital Association, was of the view that the rule will lead to many positive steps.