What term describes a fixed payment rate determined per patient regardless of services received?

Capitation refers to a payment model where a healthcare provider is paid a fixed amount per patient over a defined period, typically regardless of the number of services that patient receives. This model encourages providers to focus on preventive care and managing the overall health of their patient population, as they receive the same payment whether they see more patients or provide fewer services.

In contrast, per diem payments are based on the number of days a patient spends receiving services, and fee-for-service payments compensate providers for each individual service rendered. Cost-sharing involves the portion of healthcare costs that patients must pay out-of-pocket, typically through co-pays or deductibles. Capitation stands out as a unique model focusing on total patient management rather than individual service billing, making it beneficial for improving the efficiency of care and controlling costs.