What does "value-based care" refer to in healthcare delivery?

Value-based care refers to an approach in healthcare delivery where providers are compensated primarily based on the health outcomes of their patients rather than the quantity of services rendered. This model emphasizes the quality of care, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs by focusing on effective treatments and preventive measures. By linking payment to patient results, it incentivizes healthcare providers to prioritize meaningful health improvements and overall patient well-being.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of healthcare that do not align with the value-based care philosophy. Payment based on the volume of services could lead to unnecessary treatments and costs, while disregarding costs or patient satisfaction does not promote the essential tenets of value-based care, which is centered on high-quality patient outcomes. Therefore, the correct understanding of value-based care highlights its focus on achieving better health outcomes as a key metric for provider reimbursement.