In healthcare, there are several reimbursement principles that have different impacts on how care is delivered. All reimbursement models have advantages and disadvantages, and no single reimbursement principle meets all individual needs. What they all have in common is a balance between high quality care, accessibility, cost control and good conditions for healthcare staff to adapt care to patients' needs.
At the end of September, Sirona hosted a roundtable discussion on "How will the reimbursement model of the future contribute to high-quality, equitable, resource-efficient and accessible care?". Representatives from private healthcare providers and primary care network physicians, as well as subject matter experts, participated to discuss challenges and opportunities in this highly topical area. The discussion was based, among other things, on the Swedish Competition Authority's report "The impact of private digital health services on competition in primary care" (August 2022).
Discussions focused, among other things, on the need for coherent care with a unified national system for digital care, as well as physical care, so as not to consume unnecessary resources. There also needs to be incentives and remuneration for what you want to achieve. For example, digital systems work best when the doctor knows the patient and can take into account referrals and admissions, which would be promoted by a continuity-based system. Whether providing analog or digital care, a reimbursement model that incentivizes the whole is needed, but the question is whether the political will and ability exist.
There are many aspects and opinions to consider in the debate on healthcare reimbursement models. We have highlighted a few of them in this roundtable, but more dialogues need to be held to be able to change the models according to the dynamic landscape of Swedish healthcare.
Do you have any questions about the conversation or the debate on remuneration models? Please get in touch with Johan!
