For these health systems, value-based care means putting patients first

Value-based care is transforming the health care landscape as some health systems shift focus toward outcomes-driven payment models. In this evolving paradigm, physicians and other health professionals are rewarded for improving patient health outcomes rather than the volume of services they deliver. This shift is designed to enhance care quality, reduce costs and improve patient satisfaction. 

Across the U.S., leaders at health systems are adopting innovative strategies to embrace value-based care, integrating data analytics, care coordination and preventive services. From large networks to smaller community hospitals, each is tailoring its approach to align with this goal of delivering better care at lower costs in a way that works for them. 

Here is a list of how members of the AMA Health System Program—which provides enterprise solutions to equip leadership, physicians and care teams with resources to help drive the future of medicine—are each finding their own unique way to embrace value-based care.

1. Baptist Health uses AI to improve value-based care efforts

   1. As many health systems and organizations work on advancing value-based care to prioritize patient outcomes and cost efficiency, a new tool has emerged as a partner: augmented intelligence (AI), often called artificial intelligence. The integration of AI within value-based care aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimize treatment plans and streamline operations, ultimately improving the quality of care while reducing expenses. Discover how Baptist Health uses AI to enhance value-based care.
   2. Learn more about how Baptist Health made value-based care a reality. 

2. Bayhealth puts the patient first with value-based care

   1. While the complexity of value-based care arrangements can bewilder even the brightest minds in health care, Bayhealth finds that a patient-focused mindset helps to keep things simple. For physicians and their care teams at Bayhealth, the focus on value-based care has meant helping a woman in an abusive relationship find a way out, helping a patient living in a tent find an apartment and get surgical treatment for his cataracts, and delivering lifesaving treatment for a brain bleed discovered during an annual wellness visit. Find out how Bayhealth’s comprehensive approach to value-based care has helped transform patients’ lives and improve outcomes.

3. Geisinger is keeping things simple and transparent with value-based care 

   1. “It's not lost upon any of us that our health care costs are unsustainable, and we all collectively need to be part of the solution to cure the nation's wild west health care costs,” said Narayana Murali, MD, chief medical officer of medicine services for Geisinger Health. “The fix is to accelerate adoption of alternative payment models for value-based care by simplifying and making models that are transparent.” Discover how Geisinger addresses the rising cost of health care with value-based care.

4. Henry Ford Health brings teams together for value-based care efforts

   1. Henry Ford Health has experienced growth in an innovative direct-to-employer, risk-based contract with General Motors—one of several ways the Detroit-area health system is applying value-based care in practical and effective manners without adding more burdens for physicians. But these accomplishments did not happen overnight. Learn more about Henry Ford Health’s work with nonphysician providers, medical assistants, care managers and other health professionals to advance value-based care.

5. ONCare Alliance keeps these metrics in mind for value-based care in oncology

   1. In oncology, value-based care means transforming patient outcomes by emphasizing personalized and efficient health care. A poignant example of this approach comes in the story of a patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer. His diagnosis was grim, with a predictable and limited life expectancy. Yet armed with a bucket list and determination, the patient sought to make the most of his remaining time.Barbara L. McAneny, MD, of ONCare Alliance, offers guidance on how to use value-based care in oncology—and how not to.

6. Ochsner Health’s value-based care success took time, perseverance and trust

   1. More of Ochsner Health’s patients are taking advantage of preventive care offerings such as smoking cessation. Meanwhile, physicians and other health professionals at the Louisiana-based health system can easily access bioinformatics and other useful data with automation built into their EHR networks. This has led to improved patient outcomes and lower costs.
   2. Yet it took a while for Ochsner Health to see a return on its investments in this type of value-based care effort. Discover how value-based care at Ochsner Health led to screening 95% of patients at risk for diabetes and cutting costs by 14% without more administrative burdens.

7. Privia Health brings value-based care to the youngest patients

   1. Pediatrics has been at the forefront of preventive medical practices such as immunizations, screenings, care coordination with specialists and meeting defined health goals. Measurable prevention is a major cornerstone of providing value-based care, so it would seem the approach would pair well with pediatrics. But it’s not that simple, because there is a wide range of populations and health needs to be considered within pediatrics. Find out how Jeffrey Bernstein, MD, a pediatrician with Privia Health, is applying lessons learned from adult health to enhance preventive care in pediatrics.

8. Sanford Health meets rural patients’ needs with value-based care

   1. South Dakota-based Sanford Health has been building up an array of value-based initiatives for decades, opting for a deliberate approach to better acclimate patients and physicians. By bringing together physicians, nonphysician providers, pharmacy resources, care management, patient navigation and virtual services—which are especially important for patients in rural areas—Sanford Health has seen notable improvements in patient outcomes as well as strong retention rates and better patient-experience responses.

9. The Permanente Medical Group aligns incentives to empower physicians 

   1. Maria Ansari, MD, joined The Permanente Medical Group 20 years ago in part because of a statistic: Northern California residents who were Kaiser Permanente members were 30% less likely to die from heart disease or stroke than nonmembers. As a cardiologist, Dr. Ansari was impressed. What she discovered upon joining was that superior patient outcome was due to an overwhelming emphasis on value-based care. Learn how The Permanente Medical Group aligns incentives to empower physicians to put prevention first.

10. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health says timely feedback is key

    1. As a way to link physician incentives with payment-arrangement goals, physicians complete a quality attestation form—and get paid for doing so. Then a percentage of their compensation is based on quality performance and access initiatives. 
    2. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, linking general payment-arrangement terms to specific physician and care team activities helps to highlight the importance of how those activities individually contribute to the larger goals of delivering high quality care and a patient-centered experience. Learn how physician-focused education and regular, timely feedback are critical ingredients to navigate and succeed in value-based care arrangements.

Learn with the AMA about ways to improve value-based care data sharing and advance value-based care with alternative payment models in Medicare.