Humana kicks value-based care up a notch with new program that pays for patient experience, safety and outcomes

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Humana has launched a national, value-based care hospital incentive program that provides compensation based on quality improvement and performance.

The amount Humana pays, in fact, is based on the three key areas of care: patient experience, safety and outcomes. Success is determined by a number of measures that address healthcare-associated infection rates, care coordination, palliative care, and more.

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The health insurance giant is offering the incentive program -- which is designed to provide integrated, coordinated care and reduce duplicative services, hospital readmissions, and complication rates in acute care inpatient admissions -- to general acute care hospitals.  

Metrics incorporate two certification programs developed by The Joint Commission, the nation's standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare.

"These key Joint Commission certifications require that participating hospitals engage patients more seamlessly across the entire continuum of care, and we're pleased to work with Humana to create additional value for the hospitals that achieve them," said Brian Enochs, executive vice president of Business Development and Marketing for The Joint Commission.

The program emphasizes tailored personalized care, access to proactive health screenings and wellness programs, improved care for people living with chronic conditions and the leveraging of technology, such as data analytics, to connect physicians and help them work as a team.

"This program expands Humana's reach in value-based care as we broaden our efforts to provide a better experience for our members and help them achieve their best health," said Caraline Coats, vice president of Humana's Provider Development Center of Excellence.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com