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CMS’ Overhaul Could Mean VBP is Working for Consumers

CMS’ Overhaul Could Mean VBP is Working for Consumers The Stark Law has been modernized: Here’s what you need to know THE VBP Blog [11/24/20] This week, CMS announced they were modernizing and updating the Physician Self-Referral Law (i.e. “Stark Law”) to steer it towards a value-based payment (VBP) structure. The core of the law, to protect patients from unnecessary, low quality, and expensive services, will stay in-tact. The new adjustments support the CMS “Patients over Paperwork” initiative of reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens on physicians. Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash The Stark Law History In 1989, when healthcare was paid for primarily on a fee-for-service (FFS) structure, the Stark Law was put into place to protect patients… Read More »CMS’ Overhaul Could Mean VBP is Working for Consumers

elderly man in a wheelchair with a dog in his lap

Onward Means Consumer Protections

Onward Means Consumer Protections THE VBP Blog Over the last few decades, advocates and regulators have worked tirelessly to build in significant protections in the way services are delivered. We’ve been fighting for things such as independent living in the community, smaller group homes, privacy in each room, and community integration. In the current COVID-19 crisis, we see many of these regulations being waived, in the name of emergency flexibility and the ability to provide services efficiently.  We’re also seeing individuals with disabilities being pushed to the back of the line in some states. We see three ways to look at this abrupt change. One, there are a number of burdensome regulations we should reconsider. The pandemic is just exposing… Read More »Onward Means Consumer Protections