Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for the nation's elderly. Part A of the program covers inpatient hospital services, inpatient care in skilled nursing facilities after hospitalization, home healthcare, and hospice care among other services. Part B of the program covers physician services, outpatient hospital care, diagnostic services, durable medical equipment, and ambulance services among other services. Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs.

Medicare continues to face both short-term and long-term fiscal challenges that impact both patients and providers. Issues related to Medicare payment and CMS include the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), Alternative Payment Models (APMs), Physician Fee Schedule, bundled payment programs like the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), and more.

For detailed information on MIPS, MACRA, and the Quality Payment Program, please visit www.aaos.org/qpp