Healthcare and government leaders talk a lot about value-based payment changing the way U.S. healthcare works. But, a closer look shows that “value” is often measured on the basis of procedures. So providers are still paid for delivering volume. More important, value as experienced by medical customers is still not a big factor in the provider incentive equation.
Primary care is a good example. In theory, the primary care doctor should be the customers’ ally: teaching behavior that avoids health problems, spotting and treating problems before they become serious, and advising on how to use the health system for best results and reasonable cost. The value of this care manifests as better long-term health, lower cost, and less suffering from disease and medical treatment.
