How CPC+ supported patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons for alternative payment models

Area of Science:

• Primary Care
• Health Services Research
• Alternative Payment Models

Background:

• Primary care practices rapidly adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Limited research exists on how advanced alternative payment models influenced care delivery during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how participation in the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) model affected practices' ability to meet patient care needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To understand physician and practice perceptions of CPC+ during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 2496 practices and 993 physicians in the CPC+ model in 2021.
• Analysis of closed- and open-ended survey questions regarding CPC+ impact on pandemic care delivery.
• Assessment of agreement with the statement: 'better positioned to meet patients' care needs during the coronavirus pandemic' due to CPC+ participation.

Main Results:

• Half of practices and one-third of physicians agreed CPC+ better positioned them for pandemic care needs.
• Key facilitators included care management, telehealth, non-fee-for-service payments, and staffing support.
• A notable minority disagreed or were neutral, indicating varied experiences.

Conclusions:

• Most CPC+ participants perceived benefits from the model during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Alternative payment models like CPC+ demonstrated more advantages than disadvantages for primary care during the public health crisis.
• Findings suggest value in payment reforms beyond fee-for-service for enhancing primary care resilience.