Vermont Doctors Model New Health Care System

Physicians in Bennington, Vermont are looking to change they way health care is paid for.  They are calling it "medical home" care, which is when care is coordinated by the person's car physician.  The leader of the project is Jennifer Fels.  She says the project will start early in 2009 and will be part of the Vermont Bluepring for Health.

"Right now, we use a fee-for-service model," Fels said. "There are things that are not paid for in this model, things we know would help this country improve its health."  Fels says the fee for service model encourages the wrong behavior.  "It pays for expensive procedures, but it doesn't pay for things that would prevent such dramatic interventions."

In order for the program to spread throughout the country Fels would need payment reform from a higher level.  She does say, however, she has high hopes for the project.