Contessa Selected by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model

Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model Aims to Increase Care Coordination, Support for Caregivers

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Contessa Health, a subsidiary of Amedisys Inc. (Nasdaq: AMED), announced they have been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in a new Medicare alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, Contessa will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.  

“CMS is excited to partner with Contessa under the GUIDE Model,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “GUIDE is a new approach to how Medicare will pay for the care of people living with dementia. The GUIDE participants are envisioning new ways to support not only people living with dementia, but also to reduce strain on the people who care for them, so that more Americans can remain in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.”

Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including: comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care Navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.  

“Our team of nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers have tremendous experience in helping patients and caregivers navigate through the complex world of healthcare. Through the GUIDE Model, we are able to apply this clinical model for dementia patients and their caregivers to allow this vulnerable population to be able to live at home longer and achieve a better quality of life,” said Gavin Baumgardner, DO, MHA, Contessa’s Vice President and National Medical Director of Palliative Care at Home.