Innovative payment models launch larger re-engineering processes

NATIONAL REPORTS-Value is king. But in today's healthcare environment, such value relies on refined quality measurements and innovative payment models.

RAND Health recently analyzed 90 payment reform programs and performance measures. Commissioned by the National Quality Forum, "Payment Reform: Analysis of Models and Performance Measurement Implications" identifies 11 emerging payment reform models that reward providers for delivering efficient, quality care or that pay healthcare providers a fixed amount to coordinate treatment.

Eric Schneider, MD, senior scientist and director of RAND Boston, says the study reveals that health plans cannot use any one payment model in isolation and expect to see much result. Rather, Dr. Schneider says, blending the models and working closely with providers to monitor and implement incentives will likely make the most difference for providers and patients.