An article in the American Journal of Accountable Care sets forth some principles for successful redesign of alternative payment models, based on past and current payment reforms. The idea, of course, is to achieve better care and lower spending and make physicians’ lives easier.

Three of the suggestions are:

Focus more resources  on higher-value care.  The fee-for-service system does not address the lack of payment for many high-value services that could address patient needs at lower costs. These would include payers supporting patient education and self-management support for patients with chronic conditions  in order to avoid hospitalizations/rehospitalizations.

Hold physicians accountable only for the cost and quality  matters they can control.

Reduce administrative cost and regulatory burdens.