As patient needs continue to shift, so does the healthcare landscape continues to evolve. Thankfully, NPs have multiple strategies to pull from when serving their communities. From focusing on values to embracing the trending subscription-based design, here are three emerging healthcare models for NPs to consider.
Value-Focused Healing
When taking care of patients, sometimes less is more—or at least it helps to focus on the individual. With the Value-based Care model, NPs focus on patient satisfaction, as the health outcomes determine the payment of services.
Under this model, NPs focus on providing the most value for each patient’s health by collaborating with other physicians or specialists while prioritizing preventative care. Through this holistic approach to health, NPs can provide a well-rounded and individualized treatment plan for their patients, improving patient satisfaction and health.
Despite the benefits of the Value-based Care model, there are challenges for NPs to acknowledge. As the payment process is connected to patient health, the practice’s financial standing can be affected if the treatment outcomes do not meet benchmarks for payment. NPs must also consider the state they are in as some states do not allow NPs full authority over a practice. If physician oversight is required, then NPs may not have the autonomy that is needed for Value-based Care.
Despite these challenges, the Value-based Care model empowers NPs to deliver more personalized and effective care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Holistic Health Solutions
For NPs who cannot fully practice Value-based Care but still want to enhance patient outcomes, the Integrated Health Care model is a promising option. Through this model, NPs not only address physical health but also mental health and social needs. To provide fully integrated care, NPs can work alongside specialists, mental health providers, and other physicians to provide patients with a holistic approach to their health.
Similarly to the Value-based Care model, integrating care brings attention to early intervention initiatives and preventative care, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction with their health.
Of course, the Integrated Health Care model is not without its challenges. As this model relies heavily on collaboration, NPs must coordinate with multiple providers. Maneuvering this landscape can be a large administrative burden as it requires communicating consistently and managing large amounts of patient data.
Although there are challenges to recognize, the Integrated Health Care model is another valid approach to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Subscription-Based Wellness
Another one of the emerging healthcare models for NPs looking to improve overall patient care lies in the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model. When participating in this model, patients pay the practice a monthly fee, similar to a subscription-based service. These monthly fees typically offer benefits, including granting the number of visits a patient can make per month.
Under DPC, NPs can take greater control of their patient’s health, as the monthly fee provides the practice with the financial stability to implement the best services for each individual. This flexibility allows NPs to focus on preventive care, longer visits, and more personalized attention, without the burden of insurance paperwork or reimbursement codes.
However, there are challenges with the DPC model, particularly for patients who still need separate insurance for emergencies or specialty care, which can increase their overall healthcare costs. Additionally, the lack of regulation and the financial risk of operating outside traditional insurance systems may present difficulties for NPs, especially those in smaller or independent practices.
Nonetheless, the DPC model offers a promising approach for NPs who seek to deliver more personalized, patient-centered care with fewer administrative burdens.
Empowering NPs with New Models
In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, nurse practitioners have a range of emerging models to choose from to better serve their patients. Value-based care, integrated health care, and direct primary care offer unique advantages that prioritize patient outcomes, collaboration, and personalized care. By understanding the strengths and challenges of these models, NPs can adopt the approach that best aligns with their practice and the needs of their patients.
