The California Primary Care Association and the Department of Health Care Services are commencing the process to build an alternative payment methodology (APM) for California's community health centers (CHCs).
Resources
Implementation Guide for the California Federally Qualified Health Center Alternative Payment Model:
Published by the California Health Care Foundation, this guide is for leaders and staff in FQHCs that are considering or have committed to participating in the California FQHC APM. The guide includes practical resources for reimagining and redesigning how an FQHC delivers care so it can be successful in the FQHC APM.
APM Resources for CPCA Members:
This page includes resources on how to start preparing for the APM, as well as materials from formal stakeholder meetings. You must be a CPCA Member and logged in to access.
Overview
Medi-Cal reimburses community health centers under the Prospective Payment System (PPS), a payment methodology that requires patients come to the health center to receive care. Health centers need more flexibility in how they deliver care to their patients and the APM CPCA is helping to build alongside DHCS and CPCA members will ensure they receive at least what they would have gotten under PPS but now with more flexibility for the health center and patient.
For more information on value-based payment, check out these reports:
PPS Modernization Initiative
CPCA is actively working with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and other key stakeholders to modernize PPS and change how health centers will be reimbursed. A modernized payment methodology for health centers will align with the implementation of CalAIM and the state’s efforts to promote a more holistic, patient-centered approach to care.
The modernized PPS will allow participating health centers to move from the visit-based reimbursement methodology to a capitation payment methodology, commonly known as a per member per month payment. This new payment method will:
- Provide the flexibility to deliver care in innovative ways that will expand primary and specialty care access and help improve patient experience
- Simplify the payment processes for health centers alleviating many of the administrative challenges including billing wraparound payment, reconciliating payments, etc.
- Facilitate greater collaboration between health centers and Medi-Cal managed care plans, specifically in the areas of data collection and submission, care coordination and quality improvement