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Bundled Payment Care Improvement Initiative
About the Program
What is the Bundled Payment for Care Improvement Initiative (BPCI)?
The Bundled Payment for Care Improvement Initiative (BPCI) is a new Medicare program to help improve the quality of
your care. This program helps you and your healthcare team to coordinate your care at each stage of your recovery.
What is a “Bundle”?
A bundle is all of the care you receive during your hospital stay and 90 days after your surgery.
Why am I in this program?
All Medicare patients having ankle, hip or knee replacement surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital are enrolled in the
program.
How does this program make my care better?
Managing your health after a major surgery can be very difficult. There is a lot to remember and many instructions to
follow. To help you manage your care, we will be working very closely with you and all of your doctors. You will also
be assigned a nurse.
What does my Outpatient Case Manager do?
Your Outpatient Case Manager will be in contact with you, your doctor, and many of your other doctors to make sure
you’re on track. You will speak to them before surgery and during your hospital stay. They will also be in touch with
you at various times within the 90 days after surgery.
What do I need to tell my Outpatient Case Manager?
Your Outpatient Case Manager is a part of your healthcare team, and they will be asking questions about how you
are doing. Be sure to mention any of the following:
- Problems getting your medications
- Side effects from any medications
- Difficulty getting to doctor appointments
- Difficulty with pain
- Difficulty with paying co-pays
- Questions about follow-up care
- Changes in overall health, such as shortness of breath or a change in surgical wound
- Visits to the emergency room or go to the hospital, even for reasons other than your joint. It is very important
that you tell them, as they will be able to give you advice about what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are other hospitals a part of this new program?
Yes. Many hospitals across the country are participating in the program. To see a full list, go to innovation.cms.gov.
Does it cut services or limit my care?
No. You will have the same benefits. This is another service that Barnes-Jewish Hospital is offering you.
Does it change my co-payments and/or deductibles?
No. You are still responsible for any co-pays set by Medicare.
Can I decide not to participate in this program?
Because you are having a hip or knee replacement, you are automatically in the program. If you do not want to be
contacted by an Outpatient Case Manager, please tell your Outpatient Case Manager this when they call.
Where else can I find information on the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University program or
Medicare’s program?
For more information, you can ask your doctor, your doctor’s nurse, or your Outpatient Case Manager any questions you
have about the program. More information can be found at innovation.cms.gov.
Contact Information
BPCI Outpatient Case Manager Department
Maura Garascia, LCSW
Operations Manager
Office: (314) 454-8207
Outpatient Case Manager On-Call Phone Number: (314) 324-3224
The on-call number is for use during the hours of 4:30pm - 8:00am Monday - Friday, or during the weekends
and holidays.
More Information