5 Things to Know About Advance Care Planning for BPCI Advanced

Advance care planning (ACP) is an important process that allows individuals to make decisions about their future healthcare needs in the event that they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves. ACP is even more crucial for organizations participating in the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) Advanced program, as it can greatly impact patient outcomes and financial performance. Here are some key things to know about advance care planning for organizations participating in BPCI Advanced.

1. Advance Care Planning is a Requirement for BPCI Advanced Participation

One of the requirements for participation in BPCI Advanced is that organizations must have an ACP process in place and report on this measure as part of their quality reporting requirements. This means that organizations must actively engage patients in discussions about their end-of-life wishes and document these conversations in the patient’s medical record. Additionally, knowing the key things about BPCI advanced can help organizations ensure they are meeting all program requirements and maximize their potential for success.

2. ACP Can Help Reduce Costs and Improve Quality of Care

By engaging patients in advance care planning, organizations can potentially reduce unnecessary healthcare costs by avoiding unwanted or futile treatments. Studies have shown that patients who have documented their end-of-life wishes are more likely to receive care that aligns with their preferences and less likely to undergo invasive and costly interventions. This can ultimately lead to improved patient satisfaction and overall quality of care.

3. ACP Can Help Reduce Hospital Readmissions

In terms of unveiling the perks of BPCI advanced, advance care planning is especially beneficial in reducing hospital readmissions. By having a clear understanding of a patient’s goals and preferences for their end-of-life care, organizations can provide appropriate treatments and support to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. This not only improves the patient experience but also helps reduce costs associated with readmission penalties.

4. ACP Requires Ongoing Communication

Advance care planning is not a one-time conversation but an ongoing process that should be revisited regularly as a patient’s healthcare needs and preferences may change over time. Organizations participating in BPCI Advanced must have systems in place to ensure that ACP discussions are documented and updated accordingly in the patient’s medical record.

5. Utilize Resources for Effective Advance Care Planning

Organizations participating in BPCI Advanced can utilize various resources to ensure effective advance care planning. These include standardized forms and tools for documenting ACP discussions, as well as training programs for healthcare providers on how to initiate and guide these conversations with patients. It is important to note that these resources should be tailored to each organization’s unique patient population and needs.

Conclusion

Advance care planning is a critical component of the BPCI Advanced program, as it can greatly impact both patient outcomes and financial performance. By understanding the requirements for ACP in BPCI Advanced participation and utilizing available resources, organizations can effectively engage patients in discussions about their end-of-life wishes and provide high-quality, patient-centered care. So, it is important for organizations to prioritize advance care planning as a key aspect of their participation in BPCI Advanced. By doing so, they can not only meet program requirements but also improve the overall quality and cost-effectiveness of their healthcare services.