Gwen MacKenzie, senior vice president of Ascension Healthcare, argues in Hospital Impact that narrow-network health-insurance plans are good for patients, providers and insurers as the sector moves to value-based payment models. After all, larger networks are associated with higher costs. She is senior vice president of Ascension Healthcare and ministry market executive of Ascension Michigan.
“The shift to value-based care is shaped by the idea that more fragmented care results in challenges to appropriate care delivery. Nationwide, disjointed care channels are preventing providers from reaching the quadruple aim: exceptional health outcomes, an exceptional experience for the people we serve, and an exceptional experience for providers, at an affordable cost.
“The ability to truly execute the quadruple aim depends on having an individual receive care within a defined network. The advantage of more targeted choice in narrow network plans is that providers can deliver quality across the continuum of care while being responsible stewards of resources.”
“Physician collaboration and established clinical protocols are made easier under narrow network plans built around a comprehensive provider network of highly qualified and trained providers. These plans operate within value-based contracts that direct consumers to participating physicians and hospitals.”
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