Description
In this detailed session led by Rohit Kulkarni, the focus centers on the evolution and adaptation of payment systems in healthcare, particularly regarding blended and pathway payment proposals. Kulkarni outlines a historical perspective on tariff payments, tracing back to the significant shift from block payments in 2003 to a tariff-based system, which aimed to enhance patient choice and improve service efficiency. He underscores the challenges brought on by COVID-19, which necessitated the introduction of a blended payment model involving fixed, variable, and pathway payments that reflect patient care over time rather than merely individual procedures.
The proposal addresses financial incentives, potential inequities in payment distribution among trusts, and the importance of maintaining clinical quality through incentivized schemes. Kulkarni discusses the essential need for national pricing to ensure consistency, fairness, and quality of care across the healthcare system while advocating for ongoing collaboration between stakeholders to refine these payment models. The engagement concludes with an audience Q&A, indicating a continued dialogue on the challenges of healthcare financing.