Health care has been drained emotionally and financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, in a surprising twist, that trauma has accelerated providers’ willingness to adopt financial Risk.
You may be one of many providers who have suddenly realized the value of predictable revenues like capitation. Receiving continual payments for attributed patients is appealing, especially when deferral of routine care has led many practices to the brink of failure.
That’s why many providers are specifically considering capitation. For Groups with previous experience in managing risk pools, it’s an easier decision. But if you represent an ACO that resisted CMS Rules to inject downside Risk into the model, or a Group still tiptoeing toward Risk, your path may be longer. Ask these questions: Can you prepare quickly for real Risk like global capitation? And if so, how will you protect yourself from costs you don’t directly control?
There’s a subtext here. Candid ACOs will express the reservation, “If only I could engage physicians.” That’s why it’s essential to address these questions together: How can you achieve cost control through physician engagement?”