Developing a State-based Quality Measurement Program Using an Episode-of-Care Framework: Recommendations for State Purchasers

Introduction

As the US health care system moves towards value-based payment, it becomes clearer that, while alternative payment models are important, the underlying information processes required to vivify these new payment models are equally critical to the success of the payment model. As much as Patient Centered Medical Homes, Accountable Care Organizations and episode-based payments matter conceptually, the real effort lies in reforming the nature of health care information, or these payment models will languish. Significant gaps in quality of care measurement continue, as do the means for capturing quality of care data and marrying them to cost of care data.

Author:
Francois de Brantes, MS, MBA, Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute (HCI3)