Workshop on Capitation in the Swiss Healthcare System Held in Bern

On February 07, 2024, our team hosted an enlightening workshop in Bern, focusing on the concept of capitation and its potential implications for the Swiss healthcare system. This event brought together a group of stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of healthcare financing in Switzerland.

Capitation is a payment arrangement for healthcare service providers. It involves paying a physician or group of physicians a set amount for each enrolled patient assigned to them, per period of time, whether or not that patient seeks care. The amount is calculated in advance, based on the average expected healthcare utilization of the patient group, with adjustments for specific demographics, health conditions, and other factors that may affect the cost of care.

This model stands in contrast to fee-for-service arrangements currently used in Switzerland, where providers are paid for each treatment, visit, or test, potentially leading to an increase in healthcare services provided, regardless of the necessity for the patient's health. As illustrated in the figure below, sourced from the workshop's presentation slides, capitation transfers the financial risk from the payer to the provider. Capitation therefore incentivizes providers to focus on preventive care and the management of chronic conditions to avoid costly interventions.

The workshop in Bern explored how capitation could represent a significant opportunity, not without its challenges, for the Swiss healthcare system. By shifting towards a capitation model, Switzerland could address some of the challenges related to healthcare costs and sustainability. With careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and pilot projects, capitation could play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Swiss healthcare system.

Stay tuned for more updates on our research and initiatives in this area.