Early Lessons from the "Alternative Quality Contract" in Massachusetts

The Alternative Quality Contract, a new method of paying health care providers developed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, has encouraged medical groups to focus on improving the quality of care, reducing the use of expensive sites of care, and coordinating services for high-risk patients. Intended to replace traditional fee-for-service payment, this global payment system has lowered the average rate of growth in health care spending by participating groups. Read the full article...