Value-driven Health Care

Catalog description

Health care insurers, providers, and policymakers are increasingly pursuing strategies to increase “value” in health care. The objective of this course is to introduce key value-based health care strategies and to apply theory-based approaches to assess their design and evaluate their effects. The course will be divided into three modules. In the first module, we will discuss approaches to and challenges of defining and measuring value in health care. In the second module, we will discuss the centrality of payment structure and incentive design in health care in determining quality and costs. We will then discuss new contracting models and payment approaches intended to incentivize value-driven health care including accountable care organizations, payment bundling, and patient-centered medical care. In the third module, we will cover new models of health care delivery and assess their value propositions. This course will cover issues across the health care delivery spectrum including inpatient, outpatient, long term care, and prescription drug markets. Particular focus will be placed on the tradeoffs between efficiency and equity in the pursuit of value, the role of big data and technology in facilitating new value-driven initiatives, the importance of evaluation and evidence-based decision-making, and the effect of secular trends including aging demographics and consolidation/common ownership across the health care system. While background knowledge in health care institutions may be helpful, it is not necessary for this course as necessary context will be provided during the lectures and through readings.