CMS Launches $840 Million “Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative”

On October 23, 2014, CMS announced it would begin accepting  applications for its “Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative,” a four-year  initiative authorized by the Affordable Care Act.  The new Initiative is designed to support  clinician practices through collaborative and peer-based learning networks that  encourage transition from volume-driven systems to ones that are coordinated,  value-based, and patient-centered.   Through the Initiative, CMS will fund successful applicants who work to  rethink and redesign their practices to move towards becoming more focused on  patient outcomes rather than quantity of care.  Applications are due January 6,  2015, though CMS strongly encourages providers to submit applications or  nonbinding letters of intent by November 20, 2014.    

Through the Initiative, CMS will award cooperative funding for two  network systems: Practice Transformation Networks and Support and Alignment  Networks.  Practice Transformation  Networks are peer-based learning networks designed to facilitate collaboration  by coaching, mentoring, and assisting clinicians in developing core  competencies specific to practice transformation.  Successful applicants for this network would  have pre-existing relationships with multiple primary care and/or specialist  practices that include data sharing capabilities. 

Support and Alignment Networks are networks formed by national and  regional medical professional associations, public-private partnerships, and  others who would create an infrastructure to help identify evidence-based  practices and policies to support the Practice Transformation Networks.  Successful applicants for this network may  include eligible medical associations, specialty societies, or other organizations  involved in aligning their programs with the goals of the Initiative.  CMS  will hold webinars for potential applicants on November 6 and November 20.     

For more information on the Initiative, including application  information and upcoming webinars, please click here.  For a copy of the HHS Press Release, please  click here.  For a copy of the HHS Fact Sheet, please  click here.