FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2011
(Washington, DC) — The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) applauds the Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative (CPCI) announced today by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). This program is an important step towards further establishing a sound primary care foundation for our health care system.
The AOA is pleased that the criteria for the CPCI is built on the core elements of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), a concept that the AOA – along with partnering organizations – has worked hard to develop and advance over the past 5 years. Additionally, we are very supportive of the partnership required between commercial insurers and the Medicare program to make this an “all-payer” initiative. All too often, new delivery and payment demonstration programs are limited to a small portion of a physician’s practice. This program is different in that it will incorporate both private and public payers to create a broader and more consistent application of the program’s objectives and goals.
The CPCI recognizes that advanced primary care practices require a significant investment in infrastructure and staff. By offering a monthly payment above that provided for direct patient care, the CPCI provides the necessary resources for dramatic improvements in the quality of care for patients. Furthermore, this program advances the core elements of the PCMH which require enhanced patient access, patient and care-giver engagement, chronic care and prevention, and care coordination across the health care system.
The AOA believes that the launch of this program, and the collaboration between Medicare and commercial insurers, is an important milestone in our efforts to promote advanced primary care delivery models. Primary care physicians across the nation now have a program where they can demonstrate the value of primary care based delivery systems – we are optimistic that they will meet the challenge.
About the AOA
The American Osteopathic Association proudly represents more than 78,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) practicing in 31 specialties and subspecialties, promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for DOs, is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities.
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Contact:
Leann Fox
Director of Washington Advocacy and Communications
(202) 414-0144 (Office)
lfox@osteopathic.org