The Can-Do Approach to Value-Based Care

Is your organization looking to grow? Would you like to improve your operations, financials or strategic planning skills? We’ve got an excellent example of value-based care strategy being created and implemented to great effect, and we believe that this is a great step in the right direction for those looking to make the most of value-based care.

What is Value-Based Care Strategy?

A value-based care strategy represents a transformative approach within the healthcare sector, focusing on optimizing outcomes for patients while controlling costs. Unlike traditional fee-for-service models that compensate providers based on the quantity of healthcare services delivered, value-based care aligns the financial incentives of healthcare providers with the quality of care and patient outcomes. This strategy encourages healthcare organizations to implement more efficient care processes, invest in preventive care, and utilize data analytics to tailor treatments to individual patient needs. For healthcare organizations, adopting a value-based care model improves patient satisfaction and health outcomes and enhances operational efficiencies, leading to reduced healthcare costs. This shift towards value-based care demands a comprehensive reevaluation of clinical processes, enhanced coordination among care teams, and a stronger emphasis on patient-centered care, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and effective healthcare system. To be implemented correctly, strategy is a key facet, as a rapid shift to value-based care without the proper direction can create an administrative nightmare, being stuck between two payment models without really reaping the benefits of either system. 

Kristi Daugherty, CEO of Emergence Health Network, is a leader who turned her organization around using value-based care strategies. She’s shared some tips with us for anyone who’s looking to level up their organizational sustainability.

Value-Based Care Strategy in Action: Planning and Priorities

When Kristi took the helm at Emergence 10 years ago, Emergence lacked infrastructure, communications, outcome tracking and revenue diversification. So, they started with internal objectives. That included a big investment in technology––which soon began to transform operations.

By investing in technologies, the backbone of the organization, a value-based care strategy could be built around the capabilities of these new technologies. By leveraging more efficient tech and the workflows that come with them, Emergence was able to spend more time and effort on the high-level issues that plague many companies in the healthcare industry, like the time being spent on documentation, communication, and compliance. As an example, a hospice organization might leverage a technology like GEHRIMED, Netsmart’s LTPAC EHR for senior care, to reduce time spent on standard tasks and focus more on the high-level impact of all care rendered. 

The Importance of Data and Reporting

By putting metrics in place and holding themselves accountable, Kristi and her team got a clear picture of what they were doing well, and what they wanted to improve. This is a value-based care strategy, and it prepared Emergence to excel at winning state funding. In addition to the insights that these metrics can bring, value-based care strategy also helps to bring accountability to the organization, holding specific groups accountable for their most relevant metrics and guiding where changes should be implemented throughout the organization. 

Community Partnership

Once they had their house in order, Emergence positioned themselves as experts in the community––providing behavioral health resources for schools, public transit and first responders in El Paso. With a position as a trusted member and thought leader within the community, Emergence was able to overcome many of the challenges that faced the organization when Kristi first took the helm. 

Today, Emergence is El Paso’s local developmental disability and mental health authority, also providing integrated care, crisis management and intervention in correctional facilities. Read more to find out Kristi’s “can-do” secrets to success, including some tips you can take with you to your own organization.

About the Author

Neal Tilghman, Senior Director & GM, Integrated Care

As General Manager of Integrated Care, Neal Tilghman endorses a client focused and strategic market model around Netsmart’s solutions with a keen awareness of the current state of behavioral health, addictions treatment and physical health, while maintaining a forward-looking approach as to where our clients need to be and how we get them there with the appropriate technology. As an advocate of integrated care and its inclusion of addictions, Neal promotes whole-person care as the best means to improve patient care, achieve better outcomes and reduce costs. Neal completed his graduated studies at East Carolina University and has 30 years of experience in behavioral health.