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 »
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 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 »
In an era where healthcare expenditure looms large and continues to grow, discussions surrounding non-profit hospitals’ tax-exempt status have gained momentum, triggering conversations to the value communities are receiving in lieu of tax revenue generation. Hospitals were borne out of the social necessity of where to care for people who are sick when they could not be cared… Read More »
In the dynamic realm of medicine, the pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental pillar for dedicated professionals. Particularly in a field where information continually advances and evidence-based practices shape patient care, the importance of maintaining board certification is a crucial consideration. However, as physicians navigate this landscape, a fundamental question surfaces: Does board certification genuinely reflect a physician’s… Read More »
I have referenced, over the years, one way to measure value for those we serve. As we continue our journey, being able to quantify what we do is critical to our success. Attached is a link to an article published by the Advisory Board that goes into greater detail on the equation I have discussed. How Sentara measures… Read More »
In a rapidly evolving society, the need for effective communication methodologies has never been more critical. While we often emphasize shared decision-making and personalized communication with individuals, we must also recognize the vital role that effective health communication plays in shaping public health. In today’s age of social media, a 24-hour news cycle, micro-targeted messaging, and advances in… Read More »
Recently, a colleague shared an article with me, “The Two Words That Can Make Health Care a Nightmare,” by Chris Stranton, highlighting the challenges posed by prior authorizations (PAs) in healthcare. While I agree that PAs can be problematic, it’s crucial to delve deeper, and consider the broader context surrounding their use. Prior authorizations have long been a… Read More »
Generative AI is sparking intriguing discussions in healthcare, particularly in its role within chatbots for diagnostic and decision-making purposes. The potential benefits are vast, but it’s essential to recognize and address the accompanying risks and complexities. Diagnostic accuracy and adherence to evidence-based medicine have been central issues in recent healthcare conversations. As we strive to enhance outcomes and… Read More »