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Background In an effort to control cost and increase value, Medicare is transitioning from fee-for-service to value-based alternative payment models (APMs). The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative represents one such voluntary APM. BPCI offers four different bundling options: model 1 covers all Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) and Models 2–4 cover 48 clinical episodes, including 186 separate DRGs. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this investigation is to analyze and compare the cost savings achieved by two different BPCI program participants, provider A and provider B, enrolled in different models of BPCI (Models 2 and 3) for lower extremity joint replacements (LEJRs). Methods We analyzed the BPCI cost savings for Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) 469 and 470 (lower extremity joint replacement) of two different BPCI program participants. One (provider A) participated in Model 2 while the other (provider B) participated in Model 3. Retrospective payments were based upon savings generated by decreased actual expenses reconciled against target pricing for the episode of care in Models 2 and 3. Results The Model 2 participant reduced the average cost of all episodes by 18.45%, with all of the savings occurring in the post acute phase. The Model 3 participant reduced episode costs by 16.73%. Conclusion Both BPCI providers achieved similar cost savings despite participating in different BPCI models. These cost savings all occurred in the post acute setting. The Model 2 provider achieved post acute savings through decreasing overall discharges to institutional post acute care (PAC) providers and decreasing readmissions, while the Model 3 provider decreased costs largely by decreasing the LOS for the institutional PAC providers and decreasing readmissions.

[...] it's been a little more than 10 years since I started this column, originally entitled The Contemplative Gardener, partially as a service to Times & Transcript gardeners and partially for my own enjoyment.

The Westmorland Horticultural Society is looking for volunteers to set up tables and arrange place cards on Monday morning, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. until noon as it prepares for its major event of the year, the annual Flower and Garden Show at the Beaver Curling Club in Moncton.

Add to these traditional types, along with zonal geraniums and scented geraniums, and then the variations of dwarf and stellar plants, and you have a large assortment of potential attractions for your garden. The bus tour will include the Nova Scotia Agriculture College Garden, the Masstown Market, the Nova Scotia Dahlia Society's annual Dalhia Display at Mic Mac Mall, Dartmouth, and the Halifax Public Gardens.

[...] the crushed seeds of the plant were once used as a form of birth control centuries ago.

When I see it in full containers on patios and decks today, I always chuckle to think these folks should be free of vampires.

To get started on creating a new garden bed, even one with an intricate design like a clock or a hand or a wheel, just select the spot where you imagine it will work and walk around it, surveying it from every angle and imagining how different plants could work in certain locations.

[...] add fertilizer high with potash (the last number should be the highest) for your carrots and other root crops. The Second Annual Hopewell Cape Garden Tour, a fundraising project for the Albert County Museum, will be held between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Seven area homes are on the tour and reservations must be made in advance by contacting the Museum (by tomorrow).

This is the time of the year, as the weeds flourish after a rainy June and hot, humid days bring out a nasty bug population, that we all start to consider whether the thrill of a feed of freshly-picked beet greens or just pulled up radish is worth all the effort. Located in the park just behind the Moncton Press Club, this lovely garden maintained by volunteers was a joint initiative of the Westmorland Horticultural Society, MacArthur's Nurseries and the City of Moncton.

Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) When I walk about different neighbourhoods and see people's gardens, whether they are elaborate, professionally done affairs or simple beds of posies planted with love by the busy homeowner, I am charmed at the expression of beauty created.