The methodology that results in composite APCs for critical care services, imaging, and mental health services is known as what?

The methodology that results in composite Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs) for critical care services, imaging, and mental health services is known as bundling. Bundling refers to the process of grouping related services and procedures together into a single payment rate. This approach is designed to streamline billing and reimbursement for healthcare providers by allowing them to receive a single payment for a bundle of related services, rather than separate payments for each service provided.

In the context of critical care, imaging, and mental health services, bundling these services into composite APCs promotes efficiency in patient care and helps reduce administrative burden, as both providers and payers can focus on the comprehensive care provided rather than itemizing every individual charge. This model also encourages better coordination of services, leading to improved patient outcomes.

The other methodologies, such as segmentation, packaging, and classification, each have their own distinct purposes and applications in healthcare but do not specifically relate to the process of creating composite APCs for the mentioned services in the same way that bundling does.