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

What Is Value-based Care?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

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
Excessive

Heat Exhaustion Warning Signs: Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Heat-related illnesses are common during hot weather, particularly in tropical countries like India where summer temperatures can become extreme. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that occurs when the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate hydration.

Recognizing heat exhaustion warning signs early can prevent life-threatening complications such as heatstroke.

 

What Is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness caused by:

  • Excessive heat exposure
     

  • Dehydration
     

  • Loss of electrolytes through sweating
     

It often occurs during outdoor work, exercise or travel in hot environments.

If untreated, it may progress to heatstroke — a medical emergency.

 

Common Heat Exhaustion Warning Signs

1. Heavy Sweating

Excessive sweating is one of the earliest signs.

The body attempts to cool itself through perspiration, leading to fluid loss.

2. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Low blood pressure due to dehydration may cause:

  • Feeling faint
     

  • Blurred vision
     

  • Weakness
     

 

3. Fatigue and Weakness

Muscle weakness and exhaustion occur as the body struggles to regulate temperature.

 

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Digestive discomfort is common in heat-related illnesses.

 

5. Headache

Dehydration and heat stress can trigger throbbing headaches.

 

6. Muscle Cramps

Electrolyte imbalance may cause painful muscle cramps, especially in legs.

 

7. Rapid Heartbeat

Increased heart rate helps circulate blood for cooling but may indicate strain.

 

8. Cool, Clammy Skin

Despite hot weather, skin may feel cool and moist due to heavy sweating.

 

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain groups are more vulnerable:

  • Outdoor laborers
     

  • Athletes
     

  • Elderly individuals
     

  • Children
     

  • People with chronic illnesses
     

  • Individuals on certain medications
     

Urban heat exposure increases risk during peak summer months in India.

 

Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke

Heat exhaustion is serious but manageable if treated promptly.

Heatstroke symptoms include:

  • High body temperature (above 40°C)
     

  • Confusion or disorientation
     

  • Dry, hot skin
     

  • Seizures
     

  • Loss of consciousness
     

Heatstroke requires immediate emergency medical attention.

 

Immediate Steps to Take

If heat exhaustion is suspected:

  1. Move to a cool, shaded area
     

  2. Loosen tight clothing
     

  3. Drink water or oral rehydration solution
     

  4. Apply cool cloths to body
     

  5. Rest until symptoms improve
     

Seek medical care if symptoms persist beyond one hour.

 

Prevention Tips

Stay Hydrated

Drink water regularly, even if not thirsty.

 

Avoid Peak Sun Hours

Limit outdoor activity between 12 PM and 4 PM.

 

Wear Light Clothing

Choose loose, breathable fabrics.

 

Use Sun Protection

Wear hats and sunglasses when outdoors.

 

Take Frequent Breaks

Rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

 

Maintain Electrolyte Balance

Use oral rehydration solutions if sweating heavily.

 

Heat Illness in the Indian Context

India frequently experiences heatwaves, especially in northern and central regions. Public awareness about hydration and heat safety is essential to reduce hospitalizations and fatalities.

Community-level education can significantly improve prevention.

 

When to Seek Medical Help

Immediate medical attention is required if:

  • Symptoms worsen
     

  • Body temperature rises significantly
     

  • Confusion develops
     

  • Fainting occurs
     

  • Vomiting persists
     

Early treatment prevents severe complications.

 

Conclusion

Heat exhaustion is a preventable but potentially dangerous condition. Recognizing warning signs such as heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps allows timely intervention.

With rising summer temperatures, especially in India, proactive hydration and heat safety measures are essential. Preventive care and awareness can protect vulnerable individuals and reduce health risks.

Staying cool and hydrated is the simplest way to safeguard your health during hot weather.

 

References

  • Indian Meteorological Department – Heatwave Reports

  • World Health Organization – Heat-Related Illness Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research – Public Health Advisory

  • National Disaster Management Authority (India) – Heatwave Action Plan

  • Lancet Planetary Health – Climate and Health Research

 

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic