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

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.

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Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health: Risks, Effects and Prevention

Air pollution has become one of the most serious public health challenges worldwide. In India, rapid urbanisation, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and seasonal factors contribute to high pollution levels, especially in metropolitan cities. Understanding the impact of air pollution on human health is essential because exposure to polluted air significantly increases the risk of chronic illness and premature death.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths globally each year. Studies published in The Lancet highlight India as one of the countries most affected by air quality-related health burdens.

What Is Air Pollution?

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as:

particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
nitrogen dioxide
sulfur dioxide
ozone
carbon monoxide

accumulate in the atmosphere at unsafe levels.

Among these, PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous because they are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

Respiratory Health Effects

The most immediate and visible impact of air pollution is on the lungs.

Short-Term Effects

coughing
throat irritation
wheezing
shortness of breath

Long-Term Effects

chronic bronchitis
asthma worsening
reduced lung capacity
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable.

Impact on Heart Health

Air pollution does not only affect the lungs. Fine particles enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation.

Long-term exposure increases risk of:

hypertension
heart attack
stroke
atherosclerosis

ICMR reports show cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in India, with pollution being a significant contributing factor.

Impact on Immune System

Constant exposure to polluted air weakens the immune response.

This leads to:

frequent respiratory infections
slower recovery from illness
increased susceptibility to viral diseases

Pollution also increases systemic inflammation.

Effect on Children’s Health

Children are particularly vulnerable because:

their lungs are still developing
they breathe more air relative to body weight
they spend time outdoors

Long-term exposure may reduce lung growth and increase asthma risk.

Impact on Pregnant Women and Infants

Research published in Lancet indicates that high pollution exposure during pregnancy increases risk of:

low birth weight
premature birth
developmental complications

Protecting pregnant women from pollution exposure is critical.

Air Pollution and Cancer Risk

Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer.

WHO classifies outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen.

Mental Health and Cognitive Impact

Emerging research suggests pollution may contribute to:

cognitive decline
mood disorders
reduced concentration

Clean air supports brain health.

Seasonal Pollution in India

During winter months, many cities experience severe smog due to:

crop burning
temperature inversion
increased emissions

Monitoring Air Quality Index (AQI) helps individuals take precautions.

Signs of Pollution-Related Health Impact

persistent cough
chest tightness
eye irritation
unusual fatigue
worsening asthma

Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult healthcare providers.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Exposure

Monitor AQI

Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days.

Use Protective Masks

N95 masks filter fine particles effectively.

Indoor Air Quality

Use air purifiers and keep windows closed during peak pollution.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

Limit time near busy roads.

Maintain Healthy Lifestyle

Strong immunity helps reduce pollution-related health risks.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Regular screening for:

lung function
blood pressure
heart health

helps detect early damage caused by pollution.

Urban populations should prioritise routine health checkups.

Long-Term Public Health Impact

Air pollution contributes significantly to:

healthcare burden
productivity loss
economic strain

Preventive awareness and environmental policies are essential.

Conclusion

The impact of air pollution on human health is profound and far-reaching. From respiratory disorders and heart disease to immune suppression and increased cancer risk, polluted air affects nearly every organ system. In India’s urban environment, proactive measures such as monitoring AQI, using protective masks and maintaining regular health screenings are crucial. Protecting oneself from air pollution is not just about comfort—it is a vital step in preserving long-term health and preventing chronic disease.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Air Pollution and Health Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Environmental Health Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory and Cardiovascular Data
NITI Aayog – Environmental and Preventive Health Strategy Reports
Lancet – Global Burden of Disease and Air Pollution Research

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