Making the Money Follow the Consensus in Nephrology Payment Reform

What is it about?

The Optimal Care for Kidney Health MVP developed by the ASN Quality Committee is an important incremental milestone in the assessment of kidney care delivery for nephrologists to promote participation. By including measures specific to nephrology care, the MVP is expected to be more relevant and meaningful in assessing kidney care delivery. It will facilitate better performance comparison across nephrology practices and enable continuous improvement in the quality of kidney care delivery. Moreover, the MVP will promote the adoption of evidence-based practices that have been shown to improve the outcomes of patients with kidney disease. Regarding future steps for reform, the authors note that participation in the Optimal Care for Kidney Health MVP pathway is currently optional in 2023, but CMS has indicated that it will become mandatory after 2026. Over time, alternative payment models are also anticipated to expand. Results from the Kidney Care Choices APM that ends in December 2026 will inform future iterations of alternative payment models for kidney diseases. Monitoring of the Optimal Care for Kidney Health MVP may inform modification of MIPS measures according to the impact on quality of care, costs, administrative burden and health equity. Future incorporation of health equity and SGLT-2 inhibitor measures must follow.

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