Which combination best indicates readiness for bundled payment implementation?

• A. Fragmented IT systems, no standardized pathways, no data sharing
• B. Poor post-acute care planning; ad hoc data sharing
• C. Aligned IT systems, standardized pathways, data sharing with partners, and clear post-acute care arrangements
• D. High physician turnover and limited data access

Answer: (C)

Bundled payment readiness requires cross-setting coordination, data visibility, and clearly defined care pathways so costs and quality can be managed across the entire episode. The best option shows all of these pieces: aligned IT systems that can share data, standardized care pathways to reduce variation, data sharing with partner organizations to track performance, and clearly defined post-acute care arrangements to manage transitions and downstream costs. When IT is fragmented, pathways aren’t standardized, and data isn’t shared, it’s impossible to monitor episode performance or hold partners accountable. Similarly, poor post-acute planning and ad hoc data sharing leave costs and outcomes unpredictable, while high clinician turnover and limited data access undermine continuity, trust, and the ability to drive improvements.