The final weeks of August present a unique opportunity for primary care practices across the state to join one of the newest and most exciting initiatives in health care transformation: the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP).

A primary objective of the MDPCP is to give clinicians the freedom to spend more time meeting the needs of their patients, rather than focusing on a higher volume of visits. The program provides new value-based financial incentives to allow primary care practices to greatly expand patient services through the addition of care managers, behavioral health specialists, pharmacists, community health workers, and others working in a team approach to provide more holistic, higher quality care. Primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists are all eligible to apply.

The application deadline for practices is fast approaching, with the Practice Application Portal only open through midnight next Friday, Aug. 31. To get a better understanding of the application and program requirements, we encourage practices to thoroughly review the materials on our website, including the Request for Applications (RFA), Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), CTO Comparison Tool, and mini-webinar series. If you have questions about your application, please reach out to marylandmodel@cms.hhs.gov or call 844-711-CMMI, and press Option 7 for MDPCP.

We hope that all eligible practices will consider joining us as we take the next step in health care transformation and work to improve care delivery for all Marylanders.

Howard Haft, MD, MMM, FACPE

Executive Director, Program Management Office

Pre-Application Practice Checklist

The Program Management Office (PMO) has created an updated Practice Checklist to help make the process of submitting an application easier and quicker. Key steps applicants should take prior to application submission include: 

• Review educational resources on program website
• Revalidate Medicare Provider information in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS)
• Use the Care Transformation Organization (CTO) Comparison Tool to identify a preferred CTO, if desired
• Request and Complete Letters of Support from:

1. Clinical Leadership
2. Practice Ownership
3. The Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP) — see our website for instructions and template

• Complete and submit the electronic application by Friday, Aug. 31

Updated Practice Resources Available

If you are a primary care practice interested in participating in the MDPCP, there are several online resources that can help you learn more about the program and prepare your application:

• FAQs (updated) — a guidance document that can help answer some of applicants' most common questions
• Quality Payment Program (QPP) FAQs (new) — a guidance document that can help answer some of the most common questions about how QPP requirements may impact MDPCP participants
• Model Overlap (updated) — the state has published updated guidance on dual participation in MDPCP and other programs including the Chronic Care Improvement Program (CCIP)

MDPCP Education

The Program Management Office hosts many events to educate stakeholders about the upcoming MDPCP. Events include in-person meetings, online presentations, and the weekly release of new videos for a mini-webinar series.

Upcoming Events

Other educational events being held in the upcoming weeks include:

• MDPCP Practice Q&A Session Webinar: Thursday, Aug. 23, 5 to 6 p.m.

Mini-Webinar Series

Mini-webinars are only a few minutes in length to provide a concise, easy-to-understand overview of important topics. They also answer many questions applicants frequently have during the application process. Recently added webinar topics include: 

• Practice Application Portal — View now 
• Practice Payments — View now
• Comprehensive Primary Care Payment (CPCP) — View now
• Using the CTO Comparison Tool (new) — View now
• Payment Illustration for Practices (new) — View now

Full Calendar

Program Timeline

 Please see the timeline for a more detailed overview of the application and selection process. Upcoming milestones include:  

• The electronic application for Practices is closing on Friday, Aug. 31, at midnight. If you intend to apply, please make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to review and submit your application before the deadline
• The program will officially launch Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019