Creating Loose Alternative Payment Model Guiding Principles: A Brief Overview

Alternative payment models (APMs) represent an unprecedented opportunity. for providers to have direct input into the terms of their own reimbursements for services provided. Understanding the rough boundaries of what comprises an APM is critical for those wishing to pursue possible involvement in APM devel- opment. This article attempts to provide structure to the plethora of CMS and other sources describing the principles guiding APM creation. Most importantly, as it is becoming increasingly apparent that APMs are a preferred method for. CMS to pay providers, organizations capable of leveraging stakeholder input and identifying methods to help meet the CMS Triple Aim via novel APMs will undoubtedly find themselves in much more powerful bargaining positions than those who simply adopt cookie-cutter approaches or, worse, fail to meet CMS goals and receive negative reimbursement adjustments through the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2019.