VBC models require deep collaboration between healthcare providers and their payers. There must be shared objectives, measures and outcomes. Data, information and results must flow freely. In addition, risk must be allocated appropriately. In this environment, success very much depends on the strength of your payer relationships.
In today’s fee-for-service world, most providers treat all their payers as equal. Few truly understand which payer relationships are performing the best. Fewer still are engaged in a constructive two-way dialogue with their payers about their performance.
Understanding and shaping payer performance is key to developing the types of collaborative relationships necessary for success as providers take on more risk. Particularly in the early days of VBC contracting, providers will want to be very selective about which payers they work with. Furthermore, they will want to start enhancing those relationships as soon as possible.
