Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/healthcare-payment-models
The healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem, and understanding its financial underpinnings is crucial for anyone involved, from providers to policymakers and even informed patients. Coursera’s “Future Healthcare Payment Models” course offers a deep dive into the drivers of healthcare costs and the innovative solutions being implemented to improve quality and value.
Many attribute the ballooning costs in healthcare to the prevalent Fee-for-Service (FFS) model, which incentivizes providers for the volume of services rendered rather than the outcomes achieved. This course effectively dissects the flaws of FFS and illuminates the path towards more sustainable strategies, particularly focusing on new payment models and integrated care management.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured to guide learners through this intricate landscape. The first week, “Current Healthcare Spend and Trend,” lays a solid foundation by exploring healthcare costs, identifying key stakeholders, and analyzing the economic drivers that influence the delivery of care. It encourages critical thinking about how these factors impact healthcare services.
The second module, “I Thought We Were Done with This: Insurance Markets,” delves into the intricacies of health insurance in the United States, examining elements like third-party payment structures and risk pooling. A significant portion is dedicated to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), analyzing its profound impact on insurance markets, financing, costs, and, of course, payment models.
“Value-Based Payment Models” is where the course truly “follows the money.” It critically evaluates the shortcomings of FFS and introduces alternative payment models, allowing for insightful comparisons and a review of their achieved results. The module provocatively asks why the dysfunctional FFS model persists, prompting a deeper understanding of the challenges in transitioning to value-based care.
Finally, “Evolving Integrated Models: Putting It All Together” shifts the focus from theoretical review to practical application. Through fictitious examples and published articles, learners engage with real-world scenarios, integrating all the concepts learned. The course emphasizes that there isn’t a single magic bullet for healthcare’s cost, quality, and value challenges, encouraging innovative, “outside-the-box” thinking.
Overall, “Future Healthcare Payment Models” is an exceptional course for anyone seeking to understand the financial evolution of healthcare. It provides a comprehensive, yet accessible, overview of critical issues and emerging solutions. I highly recommend it for healthcare professionals, administrators, students, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare delivery.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/healthcare-payment-models