Analysis, Methods of Assessment, and Special Studies for the Development of a Fully Bundled Prospective Payment System for Outpatient End Stage Renal Disease Facilities

This contract, with an exercised option to extend the period of performance through a fourth option year ending September 24, 2011, allows the Kidney Epidemiology and Cost Center (KECC), through the Regents of the University of Michigan, to continue research which will inform the development of policy options for expansion of and potential modifications to the end stage renal disease prospective payment system (ESRD PPS). The ESRD PPS was implemented effective January 1, 2011 as a result of the July 15, 2008 enactment of Pub. L. 110-275, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). Section 153(b) of MIPPA amended section 1881(b) of the Social Security Act to require the implementation of a bundled ESRD PPS effective that date. The bundled ESRD PPS covers renal dialysis services furnished by outpatient ESRD facilities, and combines the routine maintenance dialysis services reimbursed under the composite payment system with previously separately billable services into a single payment rate, adjusted for patient-specific differences in case-mix. KECC's research will build upon, extend, and update previously completed research in accordance with the provisions of CMS's final rule implementing the ESRD PPS, published in the August 12, 2010 Federal Register at 75 FR 49030. KECC's research is designed to assist CMS in fulfilling MIPPA's mandatory and discretionary objectives.