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

What Is Value-based Care?

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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.

Read Blog
 Seasonal change

common health problems during seasonal change

Seasonal changes bring relief from extreme weather, but they also pose unique challenges to human health. Transitions between summer, monsoon and winter often trigger a rise in illnesses. The body requires time to adapt to changing temperature, humidity and environmental conditions. During this adjustment period, immunity may weaken, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and other health problems.

Understanding common health problems during seasonal change helps individuals take preventive measures and seek timely care.

 

Why Seasonal Change Affects Health

Seasonal transitions impact the body in several ways:

  • sudden temperature fluctuations stress the immune system
     

  • humidity changes promote pathogen growth
     

  • allergens become more prevalent
     

  • lifestyle habits shift with weather
     

These factors collectively increase illness risk.

 

1. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are among the most common health problems during seasonal change.

Causes

  • viral and bacterial growth in changing weather
     

  • increased indoor crowding
     

  • weakened respiratory defences
     

Symptoms

  • cough
     

  • sore throat
     

  • fever
     

  • nasal congestion
     

Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable.

 

2. Common Cold and Flu

Seasonal transitions often coincide with cold and flu outbreaks.

Why They Increase

  • viruses survive longer in certain climates
     

  • immunity temporarily weakens
     

  • exposure increases during travel and gatherings
     

Symptoms

  • runny nose
     

  • sneezing
     

  • body aches
     

  • fatigue
     

 

3. Allergies

Seasonal allergies become prominent during weather shifts.

Common Triggers

  • pollen
     

  • dust
     

  • mould
     

  • air pollution
     

Symptoms

  • sneezing
     

  • itchy eyes
     

  • nasal congestion
     

  • throat irritation
     

Allergic symptoms can mimic infections and are often overlooked.

 

4. Digestive Problems

Digestive issues such as acidity, gas and indigestion are common during seasonal change.

Contributing Factors

  • altered eating patterns
     

  • contaminated food or water
     

  • reduced digestion efficiency
     

Symptoms

  • bloating
     

  • abdominal discomfort
     

  • nausea
     

 

5. Skin Problems

Changes in humidity and temperature affect skin health.

Common Issues

  • dryness
     

  • fungal infections
     

  • rashes
     

Poor skin barrier function increases infection risk.

 

6. Viral Fevers

Viral fevers are common during monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Symptoms

  • sudden fever
     

  • body pain
     

  • headache
     

  • weakness
     

Early rest and hydration are essential.

 

7. Joint and Body Pain

Seasonal change may worsen joint stiffness and body aches, especially in individuals with arthritis.

Causes

  • cold weather
     

  • reduced physical activity
     

  • inflammation
     

 

Why Immunity Drops During Seasonal Change

Immunity may weaken due to:

  • temperature stress
     

  • vitamin deficiencies
     

  • poor sleep
     

  • increased stress
     

According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, immunity-related illnesses increase during transitional seasons.

 

Who Is Most at Risk?

High-risk groups include:

  • infants and children
     

  • elderly individuals
     

  • pregnant women
     

  • people with chronic diseases
     

  • individuals with low immunity
     

Extra care is required for these groups.
people with diabetes, heart disease,lung disease, kidney disease

 

Prevention of Seasonal Health Problems

Maintain Good Hygiene

Frequent handwashing reduces infection spread.

 

Support Immune Health

Balanced nutrition, hydration and adequate sleep strengthen immunity.

 

Stay Physically Active

Regular movement supports circulation and immune function.

 

Eat Fresh and Safe Food

Avoid stale or contaminated food during high-risk seasons.

 

Stay Vaccinated

Vaccination helps prevent seasonal flu and related complications.

 

Manage Allergens

Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated.
mask use in crowded places, safe water, mosquito protection in monsoon.

 

Early Warning Signs Not to Ignore

Seek medical advice if experiencing:

  • persistent fever
     

  • breathing difficulty
     

  • severe weakness
     

  • worsening symptoms
     

Early intervention prevents complications.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive care focuses on:

  • early detection
     

  • risk reduction
     

  • long-term health protection
     

Seasonal health awareness is a key part of preventive medicine.

 

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Seasonal Illness

Repeated seasonal illnesses may lead to:

  • chronic respiratory problems
     

  • weakened immunity
     

  • reduced quality of life
     

Prevention protects long-term health.

 

Conclusion

Common health problems during seasonal change include respiratory infections, colds, allergies, digestive issues and viral fevers. These conditions arise due to sudden weather changes, weakened immunity and increased exposure to pathogens. By understanding the causes and symptoms and adopting preventive measures such as good hygiene, balanced nutrition, adequate rest and timely medical care, individuals can significantly reduce seasonal illness risk. Seasonal transitions are inevitable, but proactive health practices ensure smoother adaptation and better wellbeing throughout the year.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Seasonal Disease Surveillance Report

  •  National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Immunity and Morbidity Data

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Seasonal Illness Prevention Guideline

  •  NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Climate Health Reports

  • Lancet – Climate Change and Seasonal Disease Patterns

  • Statista – Seasonal Illness Trends and Public Health Data

See all

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