Work

The impact of bundled payment on the economic burden and satisfaction of patients in Close-Knit County Medical Community in China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: China is setting up a Close-Knit County Medical Community (CCMC) to connect county hospitals, township health centers, and village clinics. The medical insurance agency will count the number of insured people in the CCMC area and distribute funds to the community as a whole. Then, the county hospital will work with local health facilities to decide how to use these funds. This reform aims to improve primary healthcare services, lower medical costs, support residents' health, and boost their satisfaction with healthcare. Methods: This study looked at data from counties in China monitored by County Medical Communities from 2018 to 2022. We used difference-in-differences (DID) to analyze how bundled payments affected patients' financial burdens, the income of healthcare providers and the satisfaction of patients and healthcare providers. Results: > 0.05). Conclusion: Bundled medical insurance payments in the CCMC do not add financial stress for patients and help low-income families. They also boost the income of healthcare providers. However, there is still a need for improvements to enhance overall satisfaction with the healthcare system.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1530176