When did CMS start rewarding hospitals through the VBP program?

The Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program initiated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was implemented starting in October 2012. This program was designed to financially incentivize hospitals to improve the quality of care provided to patients by linking a portion of their Medicare reimbursement to certain quality metrics. The introduction of this program marked a significant shift toward value-driven care in the healthcare system, encouraging hospitals to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. Hospitals that performed well on quality measures could receive bonus payments, whereas those that did not could see a reduction in reimbursement. The timing of this program aligns with broader healthcare reform initiatives aimed at elevating care standards and improving patient experiences overall.