The Value of Physician Certification Examinations

There is an ongoing debate surrounding the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) board certification and recertification programs, particularly regarding costs and overall value. Central to this discussion is a critical question; does passing the initial certification exam translate into better clinical outcomes?  And, does maintaining certification through recertification play a meaningful role in improving patient care? These… Read More »

Separating value and cost in Value-Based payment models

The cost of medication has long been a topic of debate. One key question is whether, high-priced medications truly provide value by reducing the disease burden and offering financial benefits in the long run. This ‘return on investment’ concept becomes especially critical in value-based payment contracts, where the focus often shifts towards controlling short-term spending rather than addressing… Read More »

From Burden to Benefit: Transforming EHRs in Healthcare

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) were initially designed to replicate the paper chart and aid in coding accuracy for payment. Unfortunately, this initial design only added more workload for the clinicians. The true value of EHRs lies in their ability to present data in an easier-to-digest format and using the data to help make decisions that support and enhance… Read More »

How will the US Supreme Court’s Decision on the Chevron Deference Impact Healthcare?

The US Supreme Court’s decision on Chevron deference isn’t merely a legal technicality, it’s a potential game-changer for healthcare. The implications could be profound, potentially reshaping healthcare policy and regulation as we know it. This situation warrants our attention and understanding. Congress sets the law of the land and federal agencies were created to implement those laws to… Read More »

Navigating the Future of Medicare Advantage Plans

Recently, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have surged in popularity, accounting for more than 50% of coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. Consequently, this rise has intensified competition among payors, leading to increasingly aggressive marketing strategies. To thrive in this competitive landscape, MA providers must differentiate their plans. Experience shows that targeting specific demographic segments is an effective strategy, and MA plans are… Read More »

The Role of Healthcare Systems in Advocating for Social Change

The healthcare delivery ecosystem stands as a crucial pillar of society, dedicated to providing care when it’s needed. Yet, in our noble pursuit of meeting this demand and ensuring the common good through prevention initiatives, we’ve perhaps overlooked a vital aspect: the power of advocacy for social and behavioral change. Shouldn’t healthcare systems extend their reach beyond clinical… Read More »

Health Care Workforce Violence, a Worsening Issue

Healthcare workers play a crucial role in serving others, especially when their patients are at their most vulnerable. They provide their services with utmost dedication and respect, going beyond their duties to show empathy and care. However, they are also at a higher risk of experiencing violence at work, accounting for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries. Moreover,… Read More »

Embracing Human-Centered Care: A Paradigm Shift in Healthcare

In our continual pursuit of delivering enhanced value to those we serve; we are embarking on a transformative journey. One that shifts our approach from a solely physiologic model to one more rooted in understanding human conditions and behavioral economics. Rather than solely educating individuals on their disease states, our focus now lies in activating and engaging them… Read More »

Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Health Equity

Currently, it seems Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of everything, including influencing and transforming healthcare. At the same time, there continues to be a growing emphasis is on ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. Recognizing the potential biases within AI systems, the Department of Health and Human Services has taken a significant step by proposing rules… Read More »