We’ve all heard the buzz words “volume to value” and Pennsylvania physicians know the transition is coming. In fact, earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced goals and a timeline to shift Medicare reimbursement toward paying providers based on the quality of the care they give their patients, rather than quantity.
And now, the reality that value-based reimbursement is coming is hitting closer to home. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) recently said it wants insurance companies to pay physicians and hospitals based on how effectively they treat patients and the quality of care provided, not just on the number of patients they see.
The first step, DOH says, is that it will survey insurers statewide to see how the value-based approach is catching on. The results will then help set statewide goals for expanding value-based health care payments across Pennsylvania.
How Can Pennsylvania Physicians Be Prepared?
Physicians — regardless of practice type, setting, specialty, or geographic location — are filled with uncertainty with a multitude of changes to the health care delivery system. It will take investments of your time, energy, skills development, money, and the learning of new capabilities to be successful in value-based delivery.
Where you can hone the skills needed to succeed and thrive in value-based delivery systems?
- Access six online, on-demand modules, free for PAMED members. Faciliated by PAMED member and nationally respected expert Ray Fabius, MD, they cover topics including practical health informatics, using the data toolbox in your practice, quality management, process improvement, lessons learned from the managed care era, and population health. You can earn up to 1 credit of CME for each online course.
But, I don’t think I need this training right now, you may think. Learn what sprung Dr. Fabius into action and you might change your mind.