Oklahoma Representative Carl Newton held an interim study examining whether advanced primary care and value-based care could improve health outcomes while lowering healthcare costs in Oklahoma.
The study was held before the House Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee.
“We’re concerned about the cost of healthcare and are trying to make all aspects of it more affordable for individuals and taxpayers,” Newton said. “When people can afford to access preventative healthcare, they have a better quality of life.”
Presenters said advanced primary care places a greater emphasis on preventive services, coordination among healthcare providers and management of patients with chronic or complex conditions. Value-based care focuses on rewarding providers for improved patient outcomes rather than the number of services provided.
Dr. John Zubialde, senior advisor for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, told lawmakers Oklahoma has higher rates of chronic disease than national averages while the use of preventive healthcare services remains below the national average.
The study also examined whether current payment models provide enough support for advanced primary care, particularly for independent and rural practices.
Newton said increasing access to preventive care could help improve health outcomes while reducing costs for patients and taxpayers.
