Which of the following best describes a fixed payment arrangement in healthcare?

A fixed payment arrangement in healthcare is best described by a capitation model. In this model, healthcare providers receive a set amount of money per patient for a specific period of time, regardless of the number of services the patient uses. This means that providers are paid a fixed fee to manage the health care of a patient, which encourages preventive care and management of chronic conditions, as the provider's revenue is not directly tied to the volume of services provided. This structure aims to control costs and promote efficient care delivery.

In contrast, a fee-for-service model involves billing for each individual service provided, which can sometimes lead to an overutilization of services. A system based on outcomes involves performance-based reimbursements, which emphasize quality rather than the quantity of services. A premium-based insurance plan typically refers to the regular payment made to an insurer in exchange for coverage, rather than a fixed payment arrangement related to healthcare service provision. Thus, the capitation model most accurately represents a fixed payment arrangement in the context of healthcare.