Medicare Proposes New Mandatory Payment Model For Kidney Disease

To improve Medicare coverage of treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), Medicare is planning to implement a new mandatory payment model called the ESRD Treatment Choices (ETC) Model. It revamps reimbursement to encourage greater use of home dialysis and kidney transplants. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to implement the ETC Model proposed payment adjustments in selected geographic areas over the course of 6.5 years, beginning January 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2026.

The ETC model creates a “Managing Clinician” role for a Medicare-enrolled physician or non-physician . . .