Monday, April 13, 2026

STAT+: Access granted: CMS greenlights hundreds of participants for chronic care experiment

CMS Greenlights Hundreds of Digital Health Companies for New ACCESS Experiment

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and with the rise of technology, we are seeing a new wave of innovation in the field. In a groundbreaking move, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently announced its approval of hundreds of digital health companies for its new ACCESS experiment. This program aims to revolutionize chronic care management by utilizing technology and outcome-aligned payments.

The ACCESS (Advancing Care Coordination through Episode Payment Models) experiment is a part of CMS’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. It focuses specifically on chronic care management, which is a major challenge for the healthcare system. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer account for a significant portion of healthcare spending and can greatly impact a patient’s quality of life. With the rise of digital health solutions, CMS saw an opportunity to address this issue and improve the overall health outcomes for patients.

The ACCESS experiment will allow CMS to partner with digital health companies to test new payment models for chronic care management. These companies will be responsible for providing technology-based services to Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions. The goal is to improve the coordination and quality of care while also reducing healthcare costs. This is a win-win situation for both patients and healthcare providers.

The selected digital health companies will receive outcome-aligned payments, meaning they will be rewarded based on the results they achieve. This is a significant shift from the traditional fee-for-service model, where providers are paid for each service they provide, regardless of the outcome. With outcome-aligned payments, the focus is on delivering high-quality care and achieving positive health outcomes for patients. This will not only benefit patients but also incentivize digital health companies to continuously improve their services.

The CMS has carefully selected these digital health companies based on their track record of success and their ability to meet the program’s requirements. These companies have a proven track record of utilizing technology to improve healthcare outcomes and have shown a commitment to innovation and patient care. With their expertise and resources, they are well-equipped to take on the challenge of chronic care management.

The ACCESS experiment is a significant step towards a more patient-centered and value-based healthcare system. By utilizing technology, CMS hopes to improve care coordination and communication between patients and providers. This will lead to better health outcomes and a more efficient use of healthcare resources. It also has the potential to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency room visits, which can be costly for both patients and the healthcare system.

This program also has the potential to drive further innovation in the digital health industry. By partnering with CMS, these companies will have the opportunity to test and refine their services on a larger scale. This will not only benefit Medicare beneficiaries but also have a ripple effect on the entire healthcare system. As these companies continue to innovate and improve, we can expect to see even more advancements in chronic care management and other areas of healthcare.

The CMS’s decision to greenlight hundreds of digital health companies for the ACCESS experiment is a testament to their commitment to improving the healthcare system. This program has the potential to transform the way we approach chronic care management and set a new standard for value-based care. It also highlights the importance of technology in healthcare and its ability to drive positive change.

In conclusion, the CMS’s approval of these digital health companies for the ACCESS experiment is a significant milestone in the healthcare industry. It is a step towards a more patient-centered and value-based system, where technology plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes. We can only expect to see more positive developments in the future as these companies work towards achieving better healthcare for all.

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