Pay for performance (P4P) in healthcare is a reimbursement model that links payments to healthcare providers, such as hospitals or physicians, to the quality of care they provide. In other words, providers are rewarded for delivering high-quality care or achieving specific healthcare outcomes, rather than simply being paid based on the volume of services they provide.

The goal is to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes while controlling costs. Hospitals are incentivized to deliver more effective, efficient, and patient-centered care, which can lead to better health outcomes, reduced medical errors, and lower healthcare costs in the long term.

P4P programs typically involve the use of performance metrics, such as clinical quality measures or patient satisfaction ratings, to evaluate the quality of care provided by healthcare systems. Hospitals that meet or exceed these metrics may be eligible for financial incentives or bonuses, while those who fall short may face penalties or reduced payments. There is ongoing debate over the effectiveness and fairness of P4P programs, as well as concerns about unintended consequences. Let's listen to the conversation to learn more.