How Payers Can Help Hospitals Become Safer Through Value-Based Programs

Abstract

This article highlights the persistent challenges and opportunities surrounding the impact of value-based care (VBC) arrangements on patient safety, despite the widespread adoption of VBC models. In the context of recent declines in patient safety, the authors contend that this crucial component of health care value has not received sufficient attention in most VBC contracts. The authors propose strategies for how payers can integrate patient safety measures into VBC contracts and align financial incentives with quality performance, drawing on the example of Elevance Health’s initiative, the Quality-In-Sights: Hospital Incentive Program. In this program, patient safety measures comprise 80% of the overall score. The program suggests that a sustained and productive collaboration between payers and providers offers potential for integrating patient safety measures into VBC models to drive clinical improvements and financial efficiencies, but it requires commitment from all stakeholders in the health care ecosystem.