Change can engender resistance, but it can also generate collaboration. Four major payers, medical providers and the state of Ohio are working together to test a new healthcare billing model, according to a Cleveland.com report.
The model will focus on rewarding physicians for efficient, high-quality care with the overall aim of driving down healthcare costs: value-based care in action.
The model was developed over an 18-month period by Ohio, Aetna, Anthem, Medical Mutual, United Healthcare and medical providers. CMS gave notice of a $75 million grant, doled out over four years, to get the program up and running.
The state hopes the program will be ready for implementation in 2016. The federal funding will be used for technical support, data collection and finally implementation, according to the report.
Ohio plans to implement the model in its Medicaid program, and the larger payers involved have agreed to do the same for their customers.
The program will target specific health conditions and related care. Cost estimates will be drawn up for various procedures and tests. Physicians will be rewarded for taking price and quality into account.