Rapid Cycle Innovation Program

The Rapid Cycle Innovation Program (RCIP), which launched in 2025, works with Innovation Center model participants to conduct voluntary rapid randomized controlled trials (Rapid RCTs) of targeted, operational changes within routine care delivery to pinpoint specific strategies that support participant goals and broader model success. These Rapid RCTs are completed within months, not years, concurrent with model implementation.

Through this initiative, the Innovation Center seeks to quickly evaluate promising strategies to better engage patients, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. Insights from this rapid cycle learning may, for example, inform efforts to engage patients more effectively about preventive care and improve post-discharge follow-up.

Approach

The RCIP is voluntary for model participants and offers support and tools from the Innovation Center. CMS selects a topic for each Rapid RCT test cycle based on reviews of literature and past Innovation Center model data, input from model participants, and CMS priorities. Model participants volunteer to design and implement the test within their organizations, engaging with the Innovation Center’s team of Rapid RCT experts for hands-on guidance. The RCIP serves as a catalyst for model and organizational learning by giving participants a structured way to accelerate quality improvement efforts and disseminate evidence-based strategies across their organizations.

Active Tests

To date, the Innovation Center has supported two Rapid RCT test cycles with participants from the ACO REACH and Kidney Care Choices (KCC) models. A third Rapid RTC test cycle is in development.

Test 1: Optimizing Patient Outreach to Improve Care Receipt

Overview:

Research question: Do variations in patient outreach improve receipt of preventive care?

Study population: Patients due for targeted preventive care (e.g., annual wellness visit, preventive renal care)

Intervention: New outreach method (e.g., new call script)

Control: Current standard of outreach (e.g., existing script)

Outcomes Measured:

• Primary: Visit scheduled within 7 days
• Secondary: Visit attended, target care received (e.g., screening, immunization) within 180 days
  Status: Completed (June 2025 – February 2026)
   

Four Innovation Center Model Participant Partners:

• ACO REACH: CINQCARE and NeueHealth 
• KCC: Kidney Specialists of Southern Nevada and Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana

Test 2: Improving Follow-Up after Hospital or Emergency Department Discharge

Overview:

Research question: Do variations in outreach after hospital or emergency department discharge improve follow-up care receipt and reduce readmissions?

Study population: Patients with recent discharge from hospital or emergency department

Intervention: New outreach method (e.g., new call script)

Control: Current standard of outreach and preventive care provision

Outcomes Measured:

• Primary: Follow-up visit attendance
• Secondary: Readmissions within 30 days of discharge (if hosts have this data available)

Status: In testing (October 2025 – August 2026)

Four Innovation Center Model Participant Partners:

• ACO REACH: Genuine Health Group and Southwestern Health Resources 
• KCC: Carolina Kidney Partners and RenalCare Associates

Test 3: Targeting Patients Who Anticipate Emergency Department Use

Overview:

Research Question: Does offering preventive care to patients who report they are likely to use the emergency department reduce emergency department visits?

Study Population: Patients who frequently use the emergency department that respond “yes” when asked if they are likely to use the emergency department again soon

Intervention: Patients who respond “yes” are randomized into two groups to receive different interventions:

• Group A (higher touch): Prompt patients to schedule preventive care
• Group B (lower touch): Share basic information about alternatives to the emergency department with patients

Outcomes:

• Primary outcome: Emergency department attendance within 30 days of outreach 
• Secondary outcome: Emergency department attendance within 60 days of outreach 

Status: In development (Kicking off August 2026)

Model Participant Partners: TBD