What is Value-Based Care? How can it benefit your well-being?

Do you sometimes feel that our healthcare system needs to be a little better? Sometimes when you get sick, it gets tiring to go to one doctor after another and have one test after another, right? Today we are going to talk about a treatment system that changes things like that and really gives value to your health . This is what we call `(Value-Based Care)` or value-based care.

What exactly is this 'Value-Based Care'?

Simply put, this is about improving the quality of care that patients, that is, you, receive and getting the best results from that care. In this, we are looking at organizing health care in a way that prevents illness before it occurs, rather than treating it after it occurs . In other words, it is about 'preventing it before it occurs, rather than struggling after it occurs.' So, your overall well-being , the quality of treatment, and preventive screenings are very important in this system. All of this is done to give you the best health outcomes. The main thing here is to try to keep you healthy, rather than just treating a disease.

So what will change for patients because of this (Value-Based Care) system?

The main goal of this ``Value-Based Care`` system is to streamline healthcare processes . Just like running a good business, to do things in an orderly manner using ``best practices``. Think about it, sometimes you have to tell several doctors the same information, right? There are times when you have to do the same test twice or three times, right? That kind of thing is reduced under this system. Because, each piece of data and evidence is analyzed to see which treatments work and which don't. In this way, a basic ``care pathway`` is created that can give the best results to patients. That means, if you develop a certain disease, there is a best, accepted treatment plan to give it. These things are not the same for everyone, but are adjusted to suit your situation.

Another important thing in this is to pay close attention to wellness and prevention . Think about it, quitting smoking , making good changes in your diet and lifestyle, and exercising will reduce your chances of getting sick. Then you won't have to spend money on tests, complicated procedures, and medications , right? It's like saying, " Prevention is better than cure." We always say, "Prevention is better than cure," and that's it.

Staying healthy reduces healthcare costs for everyone. That's not just good for you, it's good for society as a whole.

For example, let's say you have a chronic condition like diabetes . What usually happens? You might go to an eye doctor, another to see your kidneys, another for a skin problem. You have to explain new details everywhere, and you might have to review the same report again. Under this ``Value-Based Care`` system, you can prevent complications of that disease to a great extent. Instead of running to different hospitals and doctors, you can work with an ``integrated team`` who knows you and your disease very well. This team is like a family that takes care of your health. It includes your family doctor ``primary doctor``, specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists who help you:

• Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
• Teach them what a healthy diet looks like and help them maintain it.
• Create an exercise program that is appropriate for your age and physical health.
• Understand the emotional and psychological aspects of this illness, such as stress and sadness, and support yourself in coping with them.

This team talks to each other, shares your information, and works together to give you the best treatment. That makes you feel at ease, doesn't it?

How does this (Value-Based Care) approach reduce costs?

Okay, now let's see how this `(Value-Based Care)` method reduces costs. You may remember, in the past, when you went to a doctor or a hospital, you would sometimes get a separate bill for each item. You had to pay for the number of tests done, the number of medicines given, the number of procedures performed. That is, if you do more things, you get more money . This is what is called the `(Fee-for-Service)` or ``fee for service`` method. In this case, sometimes, tests that were not really necessary could be done, because if you provide more services, you get more income.

But in this ``Value-Based Care'' concept, doctors and hospitals are not paid based on how many patients they see, how many surgeries they perform, or how much they charge . Instead, they are paid based on the outcomes they achieve . That is, if the patient recovers quickly, has fewer complications, or does not need to be hospitalized again, then those are the good outcomes that are incentivized. Imagine, instead of charging separately for each test and service for each disease, they bundle the payments together and make ``bundled payments''. This is especially useful in complex cases like joint replacements. Then, the temptation to do unnecessary things and get money is reduced . Because, doctors and hospitals are interested in getting you well quickly and keeping you in good health, not just doing a lot of tests.

Another thing is that since every patient's medical information is organized in Electronic Medical Records , there is no need to repeat the same tests and unnecessary treatments . You can easily see the report of a test done by one doctor and another doctor . Doctors and other health workers, as a team, communicate with each other with the help of care coordinators, and treat patients more efficiently, without wasting time and effort . In this way, patients can get the service they need quickly through this integrated system.

The best-intended outcome is a reduction in readmissions, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. Value-Based Care is a long -term goal. It is a proactive approach that reduces healthcare costs, achieves better health outcomes, and most importantly, improves your overall health and well-being .

So, what is the take-home message from all of this?

Okay, so from what we've talked about , you can probably understand how important this concept is. It's not just about treating a disease, it's about thinking about your overall well-being. Simply put, it's about:

• The quality of the treatment you receive improves because the focus is on results.
• Prevention is a key part of preventing diseases before they occur. The basic idea is that "it is better to be healthy than to suffer from illness."
• We focus more on your overall wellness. Mental health is as important as physical health.
• This helps reduce unnecessary tests and treatments, and reduces healthcare costs. This is also a relief for your pocket.
• Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers work together as a team to provide you with the best possible care. This makes you feel like you're not alone.

This is like putting the saying 'It's better to stay healthy than to treat a disease' into practice. It also helps you get the best service you need at a lower cost.

Therefore, adding this ``Value-Based Care'' system to our healthcare system will be a great help in the future for you, me, and all of us to receive better, more efficient, and truly valuable healthcare services . Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this! Because, our health is our most valuable asset.

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