Volume To Value Based Care Essay

Executive Summary
The purpose of this executive summary is to outline the impact of transitioning from a volume to
value based healthcare system. More specifically to address the way this modification in
reimbursements will impact the operation requirement of the hospital, as well as the ways that
this transition can be implemented.
It is no secret that the world of healthcare is constantly changing and often times it is at a rapid

pace. In recent years everyone has been paying close attention to the changes that the Affordable

Care Act has brought to the United States healthcare system, and many are eager to witness its

outcome. Although this reform is seeking to reformat the way health care is delivered, there are

various issue

that exist and one of them is our payment system. According to the article written

by Harold Miller entitled “From Volume To Value: Better Ways To Pay For Health Care” states

that our “current payment systems encourage volume-driven care, rather than value-driven care.

Physicians, hospitals, and other providers gain increased revenues and profits by delivering more

services to more people, fueling inflation in health care costs without any corresponding

improvement in outcomes”.

Healthcare is now shifting from volume to value based care and insurance carriers are essentially

asking health care providers to transition from a volume based care which is known as a fee-for-

service reimbursement structure to one that is a value based structure. According to Health

Facilities Management," The move from volume- to value-based care has profound implications

for those who design, build, and maintain, health care facilities." MCH's value improvement will

commence by improving employee and management relations alike, in turn this will reduce

turnover, as well as generate a synchronization throughout the organization, right down to

patient care. As Shifting from a volume to value based system is beneficial to not only patients
but to health care providers and payers as it forces healthcare providers to provide the best

possible care at the lowest cost which then allows patients to receive a better quality of care at a

better value. Value based care is an approach that is designed centered around a patients. A

medical care team is established in order to hone in on what an individual’s needs are whether

they are chronic, acute, or even preventative. Patients can benefit from this approach as the

team

will coordinate their care and utilize technology that connects patients and providers with the

information that they need in order to get the right care across the board.
How this change in reimbursement methodology impacts operational requirements and how it can be implemented.
Any changes in the way that reimbursements are made can range from an increase in prices to
improving care, as well as making use of the suggestions outlined within this Executive
Summary. However, changes in reimbursement methodology has a direct impacts operational
requirements, and changes in methodology can impact any operation in a more positive manner
by including the adjustments below.
Recommendations and adjustments to operations that may position the organization for success under value-based health care.
Adjustment #1
One of the recommendation and adjustments that can be made to operations in order to position
the organization for success under the value-based health care is to implement the single
occupancy rooms because patients do like their privacy and sometimes sharing a room with
another patient they may not feel comfortable especially when they have to discuss sensitive
information such as their medical history and other personal things they may not want someone
else to hear. This definitely does give Middleborough community Hospital and advantage over
its competitors without making any real changes to its staff or incurring any additional expenses
and it can be something that is carried out throughout the years rather than at one time. When
reading the case study we learn that inpatient hospital admission rates were dropping and the
average length of stay was also at a stable condition or has decreased in numbers which means
that there is a larger number of hospital rooms which can be configured for single occupancy.
This will lead to an increase in patient satisfaction which will aid in the transition from volume
to value as patient will be happier with their hospital stays. Also improving other areas of the
hospital, like patient waiting areas, having a café, outdoor area where patients can walk trails,
and having a variety of activities for patients to do from music or art therapy courses.

This can be
a great source for revenue
Adjustment # 2
Another recommendation that may position the organization for success under value-based
healthcare is requiring doctors and nurses, as well as other healthcare professionals upgrade their
knowledge by taking continuing education courses that can be offered through the hospital. In
additional in reading the case study we are informed that this hospital founded a school of
nursing in 1919 to train area personnel with a three-year diploma school that was one of the
largest in the state. So, the classrooms and facilities are already on-site. Continuing Education
and new degree programs may be launched as part of the new campus.
MHC will be a world leader by informing as well as training medical professionals, while
improving lives of the public at large, this will position them to provide world class care that
many patients will appreciate. This will be helpful for MCH in the transition from volume to
value based care, in addition this will help the area’s community become healthier as a

whole.
Area leaders perhaps will take note of all of the innovations and implementations that MCH is
undertaking and will be willing to make contributions to continue the success of the hospital.