On Aug. 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed changes to the comprehensive care for joint replacement model (CJR), cancellation of a mandatory episode payment models (EPMs) and cardiac ­rehabilitation (CR) incentive payment model. These were previously authorized tests to change reimbursements as to certain cardiac and joint replacement services.

CMS.gov sent out a press release relative thereto on Aug. 15. This proposed rule is intended to offer a greater flexibility and choice for hospitals and their physicians in providing these particular types of services for Medicare beneficiaries. Since this is proposed rule, comments are sought and will be accepted for a 60-day period starting from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

The proposed rule proposes to cancel the EPMs and CR incentive payment model and to rescind the regulations governing those models.