This guide provides a structured process for countries to assess their current provider payment systems and identify refinements or reforms that can help them achieve their health system goals. The approach is based on three overarching principles: to select the right mix of payment methods given objectives and system constraints; to design payment systems strategically; and to ensure appropriate implementation arrangements.

It can be used to assess current provider payments systems, identify areas for reform, establish a baseline for already-selected payment approaches to aid in monitoring and evaluation, and/or contribute to an evidence base on provider payment across countries. The guide also includes a companion Analytical Workbook that contains a set of sample data tables and interview tools to be adapted and used by the Analytical Team to assemble key background data and information, conduct interviews, and carry out the main analytical tasks for the assessment exercise.