Value-based payment models in primary care: An assessment of the Menzis Shared Savings
programme in the Netherlands
The Menzis Shared Savings Program was initiated in 2014 by the Dutch insurer Menzis
and the national primary care organisation Arts en Zorg, and is among the first value-based
payment models for primary care in Europe. It runs as a complement to the current
– volume-driven – primary care payment system. This paper reviews the evidence of
the impact of this programme against its stated objectives. The Menzis Shared Savings
Program led to a lower volume of care, particularly in terms of referrals to specialist
care, laboratory care and general practitioners care. Main facilitating factors were
the advanced data infrastructure in place, communication and transparency about the
programme’s parameters, and the programme’s focus on mitigating financial risk and
uncertainty for providers. Shared savings models – even when added as a mere complement
to existing volume-driven payment methods – could enhance value in health systems.
Published on June 27, 2023
In series:OECD Health Working Papersview more titles