What is the main characteristic of a value-based care model?

The main characteristic of a value-based care model is that providers are compensated based on patient health outcomes. This model shifts the focus from the quantity of services delivered to the quality of care received by patients. In a value-based care framework, the ultimate goal is to improve patient health while controlling costs. This means that providers are incentivized to deliver effective, coordinated care that leads to better health results for patients, rather than merely increasing the number of procedures performed or visits made.

By tying reimbursement to health outcomes, this model encourages healthcare providers to focus on preventive care, chronic condition management, and overall patient wellbeing. This approach fosters collaboration among healthcare teams and promotes strategies that enhance patient engagement and satisfaction, ultimately leading to more sustainable healthcare systems. This model contrasts sharply with traditional fee-for-service arrangements, which often prioritize the volume of services delivered regardless of patient outcomes.