Other States Watch Closely As Vermont Implements Ambitious ‘Pay For Performance’ Plan
The concept of paying doctors and hospitals based on how well they care for their patients and contain costs isn't new, but no one has tried it on a scale of this size before.
Stateline:
Health Care Experiment Aims For Healthier Patients, Lower Costs
Traditionally, doctors and hospitals are paid for each procedure, treatment or test they provide. But critics say this “fee for service” system drives up costs and harms patients by pushing providers to do as much as possible, regardless of whether it benefits patients. Under Vermont’s plan, to be phased in through 2022, health plans would pay doctors and hospitals based on how well they care for their patients and contain costs, rather than on the volume of services they provide. ... Other states will be watching closely. Studies of smaller pay-for-performance experiments have yielded mixed results in patients’ health outcomes. And in an urban area with competing insurers and hospitals, it would be more difficult to coordinate a pay-for-performance system than it is in Vermont. Nevertheless, if Vermont’s plan is successful it is likely that others will duplicate it. (Ollove, 3/2)
Related KHN Coverage: Liberal Vermont Tests The Waters On GOP Health Care Overhaul
