The April quarterly I/OCE update from CMS did not defy convention featuring the typically small number of updates following extensive changes in the previous quarter but CMS did continue to clarify
The 2016 OPPS proposed rule is likely to continue CMS' trend of expanded packaging and feature refinements and expansion of comprehensive APCs based on comments CMS has made in prior rules.
In a concerted effort to move healthcare payments to a system of "quality over quantity," CMS finalized policies that greatly expanded packaging for outpatient providers in the 2015 OPPS final rule (www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-11-10/pdf/2014-26146.pdf). It also introduced complexity adjustments with comprehensive ambulatory payment classifications (C-APCs).
