Mixed Payment Method, the Experience of a New Payment Method for Health Service Providers in Family Physician Program in Iran

Abstract

Background: Beside the structural and managerial reforms in health system, high considerations are devoted to the financial arrangements. Reforming financial arrangements of health systems, method of payment to health services providers has always been one of the most important issues. Objectives: In this article we have studied the experience of using a novel payment method in “Family Physician Program” in Iran. Materials and Methods: We have reviewed the official documents of Ministry of health and medical education and the “Medical Services Insurance Organization” of Iran as data sources. Results: Payment method that used for family physician program in Iran is a mixed payment method in which capitation fee, fixed monthly salary, deductibles, franchises, performance based payments, and even bounces (as an incentive payment) are used simultaneously. Conclusions: Mixed Payment Method has the potential of using the benefits of each payment methods, and minimizing their defects. It also has the risk of encountering the defects of all payment mechanisms.