As we continue to struggle with the rising cost of healthcare and the financial impact it has on people, it is imperative that one addresses the justness involved in pricing. Since I am framing this conversation within a social context, I am making an assumption that healthcare at certain levels is a right and not just a privilege.… Read More »
The majority of literature on trust between physicians and patients focuses on patients believing what their physicians are telling them. Traditionally, the physician has played the role of the single source of information and the patient the receiver without their own level of knowledge. However, with the advancement of technology and research being something searchable at the patient’s… Read More »
There is a great deal of focus on the method people use to purchase healthcare. Though many believe in a market approach where individuals choose a product based on cost and how it will help them, healthcare purchases don’t typically fall into this same market dynamic, meaning there is a lot more complexity and variance to the care… Read More »
Undeniably, there is a tremendous allocation of money on healthcare. Arguably, waste occurs, and there is an abundant opportunity for improvement. Furthermore, with an ever-increasing aging population – 15% of Americans are currently 65 years of age or older and that number will double by 2060, the need for services will increase, thereby causing an ever-growing demand. Providing… Read More »
Nutrition is a driving force concerning health. Consequently, the Farm Bill is an important program that contains several provisions that influence our public health. For those who need clarification, The Farm Bill is a package of legislation renewed every five years by congress that shapes the federal food and agriculture policy. The Nutrition component of the bill accounts… Read More »
In over sixteen hundred articles published since 2000, the value of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is irrefutably clear – “ERAS optimizes operative functional status to improve clinical outcome and patient satisfaction.” ERAS concepts are a comprehensive patient care movement that originated in Europe. By treating undesirable perioperative pathophysiologic processes, like colorectal surgery, which was the first surgery… Read More »
Understanding precisely how individuals consume and translate clinical quality information is imperative as we continue to focus on delivering value to those we serve. Now a very data-driven industry, our focus centers on the reliability and accuracy of the data itself. However, this is only half the problem. The method in which we share this information followed by… Read More »
One of my earliest blogs discusses the difference between using the words person and patient to describe those we serve. We use numerous descriptions, depending on what part of the healthcare ecosystem and the message one is delivering. Health plans frequently refer to those they serve as members, whereas physicians and hospitals use the term patients, patient advocacy… Read More »
Understanding Why Hospitals, payers and physicians must work together If we want to continue to increase the value to those we serve; it is crucial to recognize that partnerships are necessary. Thus, it is essential that physicians, hospitals, and payers work together in innovative ways and cost-effectively elevate care and services. Historically, not only has each focused on… Read More »
In healthcare, we continue to increase our focus on preventing illness and disease. With prevention, we also must balance the polarity of whether the preventive treatment outweighs the risks involved. For instance, the association of vaccine usage with possible long-term impacts prevails in the minds of numerous people still, even though the research has staunchly supported their benefit… Read More »