As the healthcare landscape evolves, it is crucial to address physician shortages by increasing medical school positions and residency slots. Equally important to clinician shortages is the importance of enhancing the teaching capabilities within the current physician workforce. Understanding that both barriers exist, we need to address the financial limitations and skill-based challenges that hinder the development of… Read More »
In an era dominated by vast streams of data—from decision-support tools and patient records to external data sources—our challenge is no longer acquiring information but ensuring its strategic prioritization, seamless integration, and practical utility. To enhance care without adding undue burden to clinicians, it’s imperative to rethink how information is curated and incorporated into clinical workflows. The Growing… Read More »
As generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, we must address its complexities and potential pitfalls. One of the most pressing concerns is the risk of bias, particularly when AI tools are used to support decision-making. While bias is not a new issue in medicine, it’s always been around. AI has the potential not only to… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 »