Findings Now Available: Implicit Bias Review of CMS Innovation Center Models

Findings Now Available: Implicit Bias Review of CMS Innovation Center Models   The CMS Innovation Center is pleased to announce the publication of its blog, entitled “CMS Innovation Center Tackles Implicit Bias” in Health Affairs Forefront. The blog details the findings from an assessment of potential implicit bias in three experimental models. The goal of this internal review was to determine whether implicit bias may be present in the existing models’ designs, and, if so, has led to the unintentional exclusion of certain beneficiary groups. The assessment focused on three established payment and service delivery models: Kidney Care Choices Model, Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model, and Million Hearts® Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model. For the purpose of this exercise, “implicit bias” was defined as “a differential impact created or exacerbated, without intention, by an algorithm, set of sequential rules, or standard processes within a model, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic groups”. Potential biases among the models included the use of a race-adjusted kidney function measure, as well as a financial structure that may have inadvertently disincentivized providers to offer joint replacement surgery to Black and low-income individuals. The results of this analysis are informing broader efforts to address bias across the Center’s models and align with the Innovation Center’s goals of advancing health equity and increasing focus on underserved populations. Visit the CMS Innovation Center Strategy webpage for additional information regarding this work.

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