IDSA continues to weigh in regarding new physician payment methods being considered by policymakers, including how ID physicians’ services could be incorporated into accountable care organizations (ACOs). Under the ACO model, a group of physicians or possibly a hospital would be responsible for quality and the overall annual Medicare spending for their patients. Earlier this month, IDSA sent a letter to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to clarify the Society’s position and to explain how ID physicians’ infection control services could be incentivized through the establishment of ACOs, gainsharing arrangements, or other new and emerging payment methodologies that foster physician and hospital collaborations. The letter followed an earlier meeting with MedPAC staff to discuss ACOs, resource use reporting, and Medicare’s proposal to eliminate payments for consultations (see IDSA News article).

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