CMS has finalized its plan to cancel four mandatory episode payment models for common cardiac and orthopedic conditions, according to a rule posted Nov. 30. The models had been due to begin in January.
 
Within the same rule, CMS also finalized its plan to dial back the comprehensive care of joint replacement (CJR) program that has been in effect since April 2016.
 
The change takes effect Jan. 1.
 
CMS believes “developing different bundled payment models and engaging more providers is the best way to drive health system change while minimizing burden and maintaining access to care,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma says in a release.