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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Nassau, The Bahamas – The NHI Secretariat held the first two of four in-depth information sessions with Primary Care Physicians on December 6 and 7 in New Providence. The sessions are designed to educate physicians on the various payment mechanisms – including fee-for-service and capitation models – for Primary Care Providers, as well as providing information on how to sign up as a registered provider under the NHI Bahamas plan in January 2017.
Over 200,000 Bahamians currently do not have health insurance, and many of them will be choosing their doctor in the public or the private sector in Phase 2 of NHI Bahamas, Enrolment, which will begin in 2017.
NHI Bahamas will be supported by three reimbursement models: partial capitation, full capitation and fee-for-service (FFS). A capitation rate compensates medical providers on a per enroled patient basis, which is globally regarded as best practice for compensation of physicians, as opposed to a per service basis.
In the full capitation model the Primary Care Provider is fully compensated for physician visits, laboratory tests, drugs, and diagnostic imaging services based on a per enroled patient basis.
With partial capitation, the Primary Care Provider is compensated for the physician services per enroled patient.
The FFS model allows for payment to be made to the medical provider based on each medical service rendered to the patient.
Primary Care Providers were also encouraged to register with the National Health Insurance programme starting in January 2017 in order to provide services to Bahamians under NHI Bahamas. Registration will consist of three simple steps: a self-assessment, an application and an on-site inspection.
The initial discussions we’ve had with Primary Care Physicians specializing in Primary Care have been positive and I’m pleased to say that many of them are excited to register and provide services under NHI Bahamas to patients in need. These providers will play a key role in shaping a health care system that is modern, affordable and accessible.
- Dr. Delon Brennen, NHI Project Manager
The two remaining sessions will be held:
8 December – 6:00pm, Pelican Bay Hotel, Freeport, Grand Bahama
8 December – 6:00pm, Island Administrator’s office, Marsh Harbour, Abaco
Primary Care Providers are encouraged to attend and ensure they are educated on the payment mechanisms under NHI Bahamas as well as knowledgeable about how to become a registered and certified provider as Bahamians prepare to choose their doctor in 2017.
To RSVP to an information session please email info@nhibahamas.gov.bs.
To follow our progress on the implementation of NHI Bahamas, please visit www.nhibahamas.gov.bs.
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