Dry Run for Bundling

A proposed rule from CMS to bundle reimbursement payments for all oral and IV drugs administered to end-stage renal disease patients could be a dry run for future drug-capping payment systems in the U.S.

The proposed rule would bundle all drugs and services administered to a patient with ESRD, including erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) and phosphate binders, which previously were billed separately. The bundle would include payment for all laboratory services ordered by the patient's nephrologist and any other supplemental medications like antibiotics...