In examining healthcare expenditures, various factors influence costs. Although we focus a tremendous amount on overutilization, variation, and waste, unit prices are also an essential factor. For example, drug costs constitute a significant focus concerning unit pricing. However, there are other numerous inputs affecting the health services unit cost equation. One of these such areas is payments to… Read More »
Not too long ago, I recall my hospital patients repetitively inquiring, “When can I go home?” Frequently, my response was, “Not a day longer than you need to be here, nor a day shorter.” I was not trying to be audacious, but as many know, an exact time frame was not always possible since a person’s illness, and… Read More »
As our health systems continue to shift to value-based care, it has become paramount that providing quality care to not just some, but ALL we serve is essential. Therefore, focusing on the health disparities that exist is important since a lack of health equity continues to be a significant factor contributing to poor health in many communities. If… Read More »
There is an increasing concern that federal price regulation of pharmaceuticals will drive down the innovation of new products, and thus, in the end, be detrimental to the health of those we serve. Recently, a study in Health Affairs by Stern et al., “The Impact of Price Regulation on the Availability of New Drugs in Germany” analyzed the… Read More »
There is an ever-widening gap between payments made by private health insurers and those made by the federal government. Between 1996 and 2001, payments made by private insurers were 10% greater than Medicare. By 2012, this difference increased to 75%, meaning Private Insurers are paying the majority of healthcare costs over programs like Medicare and Medicaid. We must… Read More »
In our field, there is a continuous focus on creating an environment of accountability. Thus, if we are judged on how well we perform, outcome measures are essential to determine if success occurs. Unfortunately, often in healthcare, we focus on outcome measures that are not providing “the full picture,” or we attempt to succeed in areas that might… Read More »
Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) are essential to our healthcare environment. Undeniably, they are responsible for the vast majority of medical education as well as research. Additionally, AMCs also provide quaternary services and have a disproportionate share of uncompensated care. Unfortunately, their revenue sources do not align with their missions or values. The majority of their funding derives from… Read More »
As the election nears, the conversation concerning “Medicare for All” is being deeply debated. In a country that historically loathes government interventions into our lives, this is quite a significant shift. What is leading to many feeling single-payer is the way to go? If we step back and review many of the issues, we have in healthcare today;… Read More »
If one delves back in history, the fundamental component of medical education is focused on holistic care, meaning, caring for those we serve within the context of body, mind, and spirit. In more recent times, the focus has moved to diagnosing and treating the physiologic condition. However, studies have shown a person’s environment, behavior and lifestyle have a… Read More »
Last week I shared my perspective on Home Health and the future for those who care for our homebound patients in my post, Supporting the Healthcare Workforce of the Future. Today I share my thoughts on supporting the family caregiver. When a patient returns home, who tends to them? Decidedly, they might have home health for a while,… Read More »