Final answer:
The key difference between fee-for-service and health maintenance organizations is in their reimbursement structure and resource allocation. Implementing value-based care would require system changes such as electronic health records and payment models based on quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key difference between a fee-for-service healthcare system and a system based on health maintenance organizations (HMOs) lies in their reimbursement structure and resource allocation. In a fee-for-service system, providers are reimbursed based on the cost of services they provide. On the other hand, HMOs reimburse providers based on the number of patients they handle, and it is up to the providers to allocate resources between patients with varying healthcare needs.
Implementing a value-based care (VBC) model, which focuses on improving patient outcomes and reducing costs, would require several system changes in a hospital or outpatient facility. These changes might include implementing electronic health records, establishing care coordination teams, enhancing data analysis capabilities, and transitioning to a payment model that rewards quality rather than quantity of services.