Tag Archives: healthcare delivery

Navigating Board Certification: Finding a Balance Between Knowledge and Practicality

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 »

Elevating Healthcare through Effective Communication Channels

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 »

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Prior Authorizations in Healthcare

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 »

Considering the Value of Generative AI in Healthcare

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 »

Addressing the Growing Need for a Home Care Workforce

In the evolving healthcare landscape, delivering appropriate care at the right time and location is paramount. However, one important model of care, very often overlooked, is the home care workforce. With the increasing demand for home services, it’s essential to acknowledge the significance of caregivers who provide services in the home. While physicians, nurses, and professional clinicians receive… Read More »

The Sustainability of Medicare Advantage Benchmarks: Balancing Costs and Services

Since its inception, more than 50 years ago, Medicare Advantage (MA) has experienced significant growth, surpassing the number of beneficiaries in traditional Medicare. This situation has sparked a debate regarding the sustainability of MA benchmarks and their impact on the Medicare Trust Fund. There are two schools of thought regarding the purpose of MA.   The first suggests… Read More »

Diagnostic Errors in the Emergency Department

Receiving accurate care in the Emergency Department (ED) is essential because diagnostic errors can have life-threatening consequences. Let’s first examine the role of care within the Emergency Room. In emergency medicine, time is of the essence, and the focus is often on ensuring patient safety, providing follow-up care, and ruling out immediate harm. However, miscommunication and unmanaged expectations… Read More »

Evaluating Quality and Cost Between Medicare Advantage & Traditional Medicare

With enrollment in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program continuing to rise and nearly 50% of all Medicare eligible beneficiaries participating in an MA product, now is the time to evaluate the program’s benefits and possible unintended consequences. Why? A recent study by Landon et al., published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, compared the two programs… Read More »

Patient Satisfaction IS a Quality Metric

As we focus on quality, patient satisfaction continues to be a prominent measure of healthcare experience. In fact, higher patient satisfaction scores seem to correlate with desirable health outcomes. However, the issue arises concerning whether the current clinical care standard does in fact, accurately reflect clinical performance, and does it support efforts to improve the patient experience? A… Read More »