Benchmarking & Risk

CMS’ forthcoming mandatory CJR-X bundled payment model is sharpening the “Benchmarking & Risk” agenda for hospitals, health systems, and orthopedic service lines: success will hinge on episode-cost baselines, post-acute utilization control, quality performance, and physician alignment under downside-risk mechanics. The immediate implication is that VBC leaders should pressure-test joint-replacement economics now—especially SNF/home health patterns, implant costs, discharge variation, and convening strategy—because mandatory participation limits the ability to opt out and makes benchmark accuracy central to margin protection under the Trump CMS team led by CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and CMMI Director Abe Sutton. See Forvis Mazars’ operational guidance on CJR-X readiness and bundled payment execution.