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Published on: Nov 06, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What Is Value-based Care?

Value-based care is a payment system that incentivizes quality and cost outcomes, rather than merely rewarding procedures or volume of care. Value-based care emphasizes patient health outcomes over speed and quantity of services, with incentives to improve both the value and the economics of healthcare delivery.

Value-Based Care (VBC) is an American healthcare payment model in which hospitals, doctors, and other providers are paid based on patient care quality metrics. Value-based care has five core components to create successful systems that serve patients better at a lower cost. First, it includes increasing accessibility of information about the costs and quality of treatment options through an easy-to-navigate "medical marketplace." Second, providers are reimbursed for wellness work critical for detecting disease earlier in its course when treatment often works best -- so long as they accept shared accountability in achieving outcomes. Value-based care shifts incentives on payment from volume to value. Value is the metric on which you are graded, not volume.

Value-based care is "an approach to health care that emphasizes measurable outcomes, coordinated care, and shared accountability." The idea is that the cost of healthcare should reflect the value it provides.

Value-based care includes incentivizing patients via alternative payment models (APMs) to influence behaviors that lead to patient outcomes. The incentives are not provided directly for the desired behavior but instead are designed to promote the best possible outcomes, which then drives financial savings for all parties involved.

Value-based care or “shared risk” arrangements between healthcare providers have been shown to be much more cost-effective than traditional fee-for-service approaches because they shift some of the financial risks onto providers and away from consumers. Many providers are now seeing value in adopting these new contracts as many stakeholders prefer its approach of shared responsibility for addressing higher costs before passing on the burden along with a downline supplier chain. Value-based care is a method that fuses health care with economics to optimize measurable clinical and economic outcomes while supporting the patient's goals.

Value-based healthcare generates increased value while decreasing costs, an updated approach using a broader set of quality and cost metrics to manage health care decisions. Physicians are compensated not just for providing or ordering a service, but rather on providing improved health outcomes.

Value-based care is the new science behind healthcare. It's about measuring outcomes, not procedures. And it's more than just following guidelines or cutting costs-it means substantially improving quality and lowering cost for about 30% of the population who are both out of control on cost, and “out of care” because they're high risk (the disabled, sick young adults). VBC requires systematic redefinition of patients' goals for care; broader use of cheaper treatments; using results to do what has never been done before--measurement; looking at four major objectives; reducing cost without reducing quality (e.g., by prevention); streamlining delivery through primary rather than specialized providers; making prevention one objective.

Value-Based Care is a strategy that incentivizes healthcare providers to provide the best care possible while reducing unnecessary and costly treatments. Under traditional fee-for-service models, providers get paid for each test they perform and every procedure they perform -- so their incentives are not focused on delivering the most appropriate treatment at the right time. Under value-based care, providers get paid if their patients' health improves - no matter whether hospitals, doctors' offices, or other settings where patients receive care.

Value-Based Care has been proven to reduce readmissions and eliminate unnecessary hospitalizations by 15%. It also reduces costs by 20?cause it's all about targeting what really matters -- service delivery with measurable outcomes for consumers of healthcare services.

Value-based care is a model of healthcare payment in which a clinician does not get paid for the number or type of procedures performed, but rather based on how well they manage a patients' disease. The goal is to incentivize excellent, high-value care by rewarding quality and eliminating insurers' financial incentives to encourage overtesting and overtreatment.

Value-based care is a new term that can be seen as a version of population health management. Value-based care aims to align the incentives of providers and payers with those who bear the most cost from healthcare, which traditionally have been patients. In other words, value-based care is designed for high-level profit by encouraging preventive practices and sharing resources with community members. The goal is to make a profit off a healthy person rather than unhealthy people seeking treatment for medical emergencies.

It's very much related to prevention and seeks not to reward investments in unnecessary treatments but instead reward solid preventative health practices like diet, exercise, etc.

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Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

inflamed
narrow
overly sensitive to triggers

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

appear gradually
vary in severity
mimic common respiratory conditions

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

breathless during routine activities
difficulty taking deep breaths

This may worsen at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

at night
early morning
after exercise

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

onset after age 20–30
less association with childhood allergies
more persistent symptoms
higher likelihood of severe disease

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

long-term exposure to pollution
smoking or passive smoking
occupational chemicals or dust
obesity
family history of asthma
chronic sinusitis or allergies

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

severe breathlessness
difficulty speaking in full sentences
bluish lips or fingertips
rapid worsening of symptoms
poor response to usual inhalers

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

detailed symptom history
physical examination
lung function tests (spirometry)
response to bronchodilators

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

frequent attacks
reduced lung function
sleep disturbances
missed workdays
reduced quality of life

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

identifying and avoiding triggers
using prescribed inhalers correctly
monitoring symptoms regularly
maintaining follow-up care

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

detect asthma early
assess lung function
guide lifestyle modifications

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

avoiding smoking
improving indoor air quality
wearing masks in polluted environments
maintaining healthy weight
regular, moderate exercise

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

reduces symptom frequency
improves medication response

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

taken regularly as prescribed
inhaler technique is correct

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

symptoms are well controlled
severe attacks are preventable
normal activity levels are achievable

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

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