I believe we create false distinctions between healthcare and non-healthcare services. Recently I read with great interest a study that explored this issue by Vickery, et al, Cross-Sector Service Use Among High Health Care Utilizers in Minnesota After Medicaid Expansion in Health Affairs. The authors reviewed the service utilization of enrollees across the domains of healthcare, housing, criminal… Read More »
People do not choose when they become sick, injured or require needed services. Other industries comprehend the nature of their businesses and provide coverage that is appropriate to the defined needs. Within the realm of healthcare, this same type of delivery approach is not evident. Ambulatory services tend to follow “banking” hours. Surgeons schedule their cases based on… Read More »
Leaders grapple with problems every day. Our particular ecosystem is complex and complicated. Understanding the dynamics of the questions themselves and tradeoffs that must transpire is critical for thoughtful decisions and for framing the conversations that must occur. Human nature gravitates towards simplification and it is our responsibility to constantly elevate the conversation to a level that better… Read More »
We place a great deal of emphasis and focus on attempting to design models of care and services that address the consumer’s wants and needs. We discuss the need for patient-reported outcomes and shifting our metrics to those that are more patient-focused, such as shared decision making. We include patient advocates in our discussions and involve patients in… Read More »
Frequently we hear the phrase “work to the top of your license.” Additionally, operational efficiencies focus on this point. Furthermore, segregating activities by function is a proven methodology for improving throughput and standardization. But when we consider these in tandem with the physician role, we often throw this logic out the window. When practicing full time, I vividly… Read More »
As we roll into a new year, it is common to take a moment to self-reflect over the previous year(s). In doing so, particularly when it comes to our failures, we realize that there have been both moments and times where we wish the clock could be re-wound. Recollecting our snafus often causes a visceral reaction: our pulse… Read More »
An epidemic is the rapid spread of an infectious disease in a large population within a short time frame. Unfortunately, not being an infectious disease, the opioid crisis does not fall into such a category. Yet, it is a rapidly expanding problem that is deadly and requires immediate attention. In the pursuit of treating the pain of those… Read More »
Recently, there has been an increased focus on measures that not only drive towards better health outcomes, but also greater patient/person engagement. Within this realm, shared decision making has received enormous interest. Acting in the best interest of those we serve, physicians and providers must engage in conversations concerning shared goals and objectives. However, as we proceed to… Read More »
Historically, medicine has used an apprentice model for educating doctors. Meaning, physicians are trained via learning from textbooks and then sent to work as interns and residents to hone their skills and practice their craft. Yet knowledge evolves and new data is constantly being published. To stay current, physicians must undertake an active role in their education even… Read More »
As more physicians embrace concierge medicine, expansion of this service is inevitable. Giving them the ability to focus additional time and directed energy on their patients while also being financially more feasible and operationally easier to administer encourages an inviting transition to this model. Though one could say that their main reason is noble, I am not sure… Read More »