NAHQ Exam CPHQ Topic 1 Question 72 Discussion

In an organization seeking to optimize value-based reimbursement, the most effective initiative for a quality professional to promote is the standardization of joint replacement care pathways. Value-based reimbursement models reward healthcare providers for delivering high-quality care efficiently, often tying reimbursement to specific outcomes, particularly for high-cost procedures like joint replacements.

Relevance to Value-Based Reimbursement: Joint replacement surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, are common procedures with high costs and significant variability in outcomes. By standardizing care pathways, organizations can reduce this variability, ensuring more consistent and predictable outcomes, which are key metrics in value-based reimbursement.

Impact on Quality and Cost: Standardized care pathways streamline the care process, reduce complications, minimize length of stay, and prevent readmissions---all of which directly improve the quality of care while controlling costs. These factors are critical in optimizing value-based reimbursement, where payment is increasingly linked to outcomes rather than volume.

Comparison to Other Options:

B . Improve hand hygiene compliance is important for patient safety and infection control but has a more indirect impact on value-based reimbursement.

C . Reduce use of inpatient restraints focuses on patient safety and ethical care but does not have the same direct financial impact as standardizing high-cost procedures.

D . Implement computerized provider order entry (CPOE) improves safety and efficiency but is more focused on reducing errors rather than directly influencing reimbursement tied to specific procedures.