ESRD reform still on table with Grassley legislation

ESRD Quality Incentives

Starting in 2012, facilities that don’t meet minimum quality requirement will have their reimbursement docked 2 percent for one year, according to Grassley’s bill. Facility quality would be judged in the following areas.

• Anemia management
• Patient Satisfaction
• Iron management
• Vascular access

Grassley’s bill, much like Baucus’, calls for a “total performance score” to help measure a clinic’s quality. The performance scores of clinics would be publicized through certificates placed on clinic walls as well as a Web site listing the scores on individual measures.

GAO Follow-Up

The Government Accountability Office would be called on to report on the effects of ESRD bundling by April 1, 2012, according to the Grassley bill. In particular, the GAO would report in changes in ESA use among patients, ESA administration changes (intravenously vs. subcutaneously), and an analysis of the payment adjustments.