What is a primary goal of bundled payments introduced under the ACA?

A primary goal of bundled payments, as introduced under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is to pay a single amount for an episode of care. This approach aims to create a more coordinated and efficient healthcare delivery system. By offering a fixed payment that covers all the services associated with a specific clinical condition or treatment over a designated time period, bundled payments encourage providers to work collaboratively to deliver care that is both cost-effective and high-quality.

This model incentivizes healthcare providers to focus on the overall outcome of the patient rather than the volume of services rendered. It is designed to reduce costs and avoid unnecessary procedures or tests, ultimately leading to better patient satisfaction and health results. Together with the shift towards value-based care, bundled payments promote accountability among providers for the total care provided, thus aligning financial incentives with patient outcomes.