On November 16, 2015, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule regarding reimbursement for hip and knee replacements. Starting April 1, 2016, hospitals in 67 metropolitan areas, including the Milwaukee metropolitan area, across the United States will be accountable for the costs and quality of related care for hip and knee replacements from the time of the surgery through 90 days after hospital discharge. Depending on the hospital’s quality and cost performance during that time, the hospital will either earn a financial reward or, beginning with the second performance year, be required to repay CMS a portion of the spending that exceeds a target established by CMS.

For more information about the final rule, visit CMS’ website here. In addition, CMS will host two webinars to describe the final rule and respond to questions about it. For information about these webinars, visit CMS’ website here.