Value-Based Care: Introduction to Value-Based Care and the U.S. Healthcare System

This module is designed to introduce you to the concept of value-based care. While the information you will explore is general, it will help you establish a solid foundation for continued learning and future thinking about the concept of VBC as you progress through this certificate program. Even if you have an understanding of or experience with VBC, this module might serve as a useful review. Remember, as you read or hear terms or concepts that are new to you, have your digital (Word doc) or analog (paper) notepad handy to write them down. At any time, you can use your favorite search engine to learn more. Be a self-directed learner!

This module is designed as an overview of the U.S. healthcare system. Through a historical lens, you will explore the creation of Medicare and Medicaid and the evolution of commercial insurance, TRICARE, and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). While history is an important filter for understanding healthcare in this country, the majority of this module will examine how each of these mechanisms emerged, the populations served, and changes over time, with a focus on funding and expenditures. You will also explore relationships and critical differences across these mechanisms.

While the information you will explore is general, it is designed to help you establish a solid foundation for continued learning and future thinking about the concept of VBC as you progress through this certificate program. Even if you have an understanding of the general healthcare landscape, this module might serve as a good review. Remember, as you read or hear terms or concepts that are new to you, have your digital (Word document) or analog (paper) notepad handy to write them down. At any time, you can use your favorite search engine to learn more. Be a self-directed learner!

This module is designed to help you establish a firm foundation for understanding the development and evolution of quality measures and outcomes in healthcare. By developing an understanding of what quality is and how it is measured, you can begin a knowledge-building exploration of the components of quality in healthcare. From there, you’ll synthesize the importance of outcomes in healthcare management and how they have evolved, and reflect on opportunities for the future. Why is this important? As you have already explored in this course, in value-based care models, providers must meet quality measures and improve the health outcomes of their patients. While the information you will explore is general, it is designed to help you establish a solid foundation for continued learning and future thinking about the concept of value-based care as you progress through this certificate program. Even if you have an understanding of quality measures and outcomes, this module might serve as a good review. Remember, as you read or hear terms or concepts that are new to you, have your digital (Word doc) or analog (paper) notepad handy to write them down. At any time, you can use your favorite search engine to learn more. Be a self-directed learner!