Finding the 'sweet spot' in value-based contracts.

Health systems pursing value-based contracts should address six important considerations: The definition of value. Contracting goals. Cost of implementation.

Partnering with payers? Key lessons to keep in mind.

Key factors healthcare leaders might wish to consider when evaluating potential partnerships with payers include: Use of safeguards to prevent a payer from using benefit design to shift expected volume from high-revenue service lines or channels. Right to participate in narrow networks. Use of segment-specific language, which protects providers from payers that may try to extend a rate decrease from one patient segment to another.