There’s a lot of talk these days about “value-based purchasing” (VBP) and how it’s changing the healthcare landscape. VBP is a reimbursement model in which providers are reimbursed based on the quality of care they deliver, rather than the quantity of care. This shift from volume to value is being driven by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires that Medicare providers be reimbursed under a VBP system starting in 2019.
One of the key ways that VBP will be implemented is through the use of “bundled payments.” Under this model, providers will receive a single payment for all of the services related to a particular episode of care. For example, a hospital might receive one bundled payment for all the services related to a patient’s heart surgery, including pre- and post-operative care, rather than being reimbursed separately for each service.
Bundled payments are already being used in some areas of healthcare, such as joint replacement surgery.
The ACA requires that Medicare begin using bundled payments for certain conditions in 2019, with more conditions to be added in subsequent years.
While VBP has the potential to improve the quality of care while reducing costs, there are still many questions about how it will work in practice. One key question is how providers will be able to access the data they need to measure quality and compare their performance to other providers. Another question is how small providers will fare under a VBP system, since they may not have the same resources as larger providers to invest in quality improvement initiatives.
Only time will tell how successful value-based purchasing will be in achieving its goals. However, it is clear that VBP is here to stay and that it will have a major impact on the way healthcare is delivered in the United States.
Can I use VSP at Walmart?
Many people are wondering if they can use their vision insurance at Walmart stores since Walmart is such a popular place to shop for groceries and other household items. The answer is yes; you can use your vision insurance at Walmart. However, you may not be able to take advantage of all of your insurance benefits depending on your plan.
For example, if you have vision insurance through VSP (Vision Service Plan), you can use your insurance at any Walmart Vision Center location.
However, if you have basic vision coverage through your health insurance plan, you may only be able to get an annual eye exam at Walmart; you may not be able to get glasses or contact lenses covered under your plan.
It’s always best to check with your specific insurance plan to find out which services are covered and where you can go to get them.
