By Vivian den Bakker 

On 4 October 2018, the Dutch Healthcare Authority (the Dutch Healthcare Authority) (the NZa ) issued the recommendation ‘funding of specialist medical care – rewarding care that adds value’ (the Advice ). In the Advisory Report, the NZa calls on Minister Bruins to work towards ‘value-driven care’ or a form of funding that rewards the creation of value for patients.

The term ‘value’ is defined in the Advice as health gain, expressed in outcomes that patients consider important, in relation to the costs of care. In addition, attention is paid to administrative burdens, transparency and space for innovation and customization.