Dive Brief:

• A survey of 500 practicing physicians by the National Business Group on Health (NBGH) and Fidelity Investments found that new, emerging payment and delivery models to improve efficiency and help control costs have some physicians cautiously optimistic that such models could lead to higher quality care and improved patient outcomes.
• The newer models include pay-for-performance, patient-centered medical homes and accountable care organizations, which tie reimbursement to quality and performance outcomes. Right now, only 41% of physicians are using these types of models, but 80% say they would consider participating in the future.
• Under today's aging primary payment model, medical providers are paid for services, regardless of outcomes. The NBGH/Fidelity survey found only 41% said this system is optimal for delivering positive patient outcomes, and for doctors under 35 years old, that figure drops to 28%.

Dive Insight:

Adam Stavisky, senior vice president, Fidelity Benefits Consulting, says employers are very interested in the role that emerging delivery models will play in improving health and managing cost, which remains a top priority. And the survey, he adds, highlights the emerging role that new payment models will play in improving quality and efficiency.

"We are asking physicians to change how they engage their patients, manage their practice and get paid,” says Brian Marcotte, NBGH president and CEO. “The right resources, technology and analytics have to be in place to help physicians make this transition to deliver on the promise of improved patient outcomes and lower costs.”