Making Care Primary (MCP) is a new model introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that aims to improve primary care delivery and outcomes. The model is focused on supporting less experienced primary care practices and organizations by helping them build advanced care delivery capabilities and, over time, assume prospective payments and accountability for cost and quality outcomes. In this article, we will explore the MCP model in detail, including its key features, benefits for physician practices, and how to participate.
Making Care Primary (MCP) is a 10.5-year multi-payer model with three participation tracks that build upon previous primary care models, such as the Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC), CPC+, and Primary Care First (PCF) models, as well as the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP). MCP aims to improve care for beneficiaries by supporting the delivery of advanced primary care services, which are foundational for a high-performing health system.
The MCP Model provides a pathway for primary care clinicians with varying levels of experience in value-based care to gradually adopt prospective, population-based payments while building infrastructure to improve behavioral health and specialty integration and drive equitable access to care. State Medicaid agencies will commit to designing Medicaid programs to align with MCP in key areas. This model will attempt to strengthen coordination between patients’ primary care clinicians, specialists, social service providers, and behavioral health clinicians, ultimately leading to chronic disease prevention, fewer emergency room visits, and better health outcomes.
Making Care Primary (MCP) is different from other models in several ways. Firstly, it is geared towards smaller, independent organizations that want to participate in value-based care independently (not as part of a broader entity). This makes it an attractive option for physician practices that want to retain their independence while benefiting from collaboration with others delivering patient care.
MCP also has a different incentive structure than other models such as ACO REACH. MCP rewards performance on multiple measures, one of which is cost-related, whereas ACO payment incentives are based on the amount of shared savings they achieved during the performance year. This means that physician practices participating in MCP have the potential to earn financial rewards based on their performance on a variety of measures, not just cost savings.
Overall, MCP offers a unique and progressive pathway for physician practices to participate in value-based care and improve their care delivery capabilities.
There are several benefits for physician practices participating in Making Care Primary (MCP). Firstly, the model provides support for less experienced primary care practices and organizations to build advanced care delivery capabilities. This means that practices can improve their ability to deliver high-quality primary care services to their patients.
MCP also offers a progressive pathway to value-based payment, through three tracks that increase in care delivery and payment advancement over time. This allows physician practices to gradually adopt prospective, population-based payments while building the necessary infrastructure to improve care delivery.
In addition, MCP aims to improve care coordination and integration, meaning that clinicians can more seamlessly address physical and behavioral health needs and tap into community networks to reduce health disparities. This can lead to better health outcomes for patients and improved satisfaction for both patients and clinicians.
Overall, participating in MCP offers physician practices the opportunity to improve their care delivery capabilities, earn financial rewards based on their performance, and provide better care for their patients.
Physician practices interested in participating in Making Care Primary (MCP) must meet certain eligibility requirements and go through an application process. The specific requirements and application process may vary depending on the state in which the practice is located, as MCP is being tested in eight states.
CMS will begin accepting applications for the model in late summer 2023. Interested practices can submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to help support CMS recruiting efforts. More information about the application process and eligibility requirements will be released by CMS in the coming months.
It is recommended that physician practices carefully review the eligibility requirements and application process to determine if participating in MCP is a good fit for their practice. Practices may also want to consult with their legal and financial advisors to ensure that they fully understand the implications of participating in the model.
Making Care Primary (MCP) is a new model introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that offers a unique and progressive pathway for physician practices to participate in value-based care. The model provides support for less experienced primary care practices and organizations to build advanced care delivery capabilities and, over time, assume prospective payments and accountability for cost and quality outcomes.
Participating in MCP offers several benefits for physician practices, including the potential to earn financial rewards based on their performance, improve their care delivery capabilities, and provide better care for their patients. Physician practices interested in participating in MCP should carefully review the eligibility requirements and application process to determine if the model is a good fit for their practice.
Overall, MCP represents an exciting opportunity for physician practices to improve primary care delivery and outcomes for their patients. We encourage physician practices to consider participating in this innovative model.
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