The Shift to Value-Based Care Has Accelerated in the Wake of the Pandemic

One potential change that is attracting increased attention is the transition from a traditional fee-for-service system to value-based care, a delivery model in which providers are compensated based on patient health outcomes rather than being incentivized to perform costly procedures and tests.

While broader efforts will be required to address the social determinants of health, a shift to value-based care would realign the incentives of providers, payers, and patients toward sustainably improving actual health outcomes.

While hands-on care is obviously necessary in many situations, virtual visits are convenient and efficient — and can even be superior in some cases, beyond their ability to significantly expand access to both basic care and specialized expertise. And in addition to virtual visits, digital tools that enable remote patient monitoring can engage patients more consistently and deeply in their own care. These solutions will be a critical component of any value-based care program.