1. BCBS Massachusetts: New Model of Reimbursement
Flat fee to doctors and hospitals each year
Adjusted for age and sickness of patients
Up to 10% bonus to improve care on over 20 quality standards, such as chronic disease control and providing easy access at all hours
Payment covers all services from primary care doctors, specialists, counselors, and hospitals – encourages coordination
Source: A. Dember, “New therapy for old woes, Blue Cross measure aims to slow runaway costs, improve quality of health care,” Boston Globe, January, 22, 2008