For the first time, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island created a bundled payment arrangement for outpatient joint replacements.
The arrangement with Providence, R.I.-based University Orthopedics launched earlier this year for BCBSRI commercial members undergoing joint replacement surgery at the University Orthopedics Kettle Point Ambulatory Care Center in East Providence, R.I. Surgeries include outpatient hip, knee and shoulder replacement/arthroplasty procedures.
The organizations said the bundled payment models will lower healthcare costs and establish quality benchmarks for University Orthopedics services. BCBSRI and University Orthopedics said they plan to work on more bundled payment agreements with each other, including arrangements for Medicare Advantage customers.
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