Tag Archives: healthcare delivery

Investment in Social Determinants of Health is Rising

As we continue to focus on value-based care, with particular attention being put on the social needs of those we serve, how these investments are made is important. Historically, funding for this was part of the public health sector, either by governmental or philanthropic funding. However, as we move towards value-based payment models, other delivery entities begin to… Read More »

Managed Care and Managed Competition Working in Tandem Can Hold Down Costs

As we continue to evaluate the cost of healthcare, two main ideas are gaining traction; managed care and managed competition, both are models designed to enhance value in a market. Defined as patient-centered, managed care coordinates care, thereby providing payment incentives that reward achieving cost, quality, and service measures; thus, offering value-based care, whereas, the managed competition model… Read More »

Have we found The Holy Grail in Artificial Intelligence?

A day rarely ends without Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its vast benefit being discussed in some form or fashion. I am all for technological and mathematical advances; however, one needs to remember that we are early on this journey and we would be better served to avoid the “shiny object syndrome”, meaning chasing after an item merely because… Read More »

Looking at the Liability of Artificial Intelligence

As we continue to embrace technology and machine learning to improve care, it is essential to focus on situations as they arise, and advocate adjustments that allow us to evolve. One such area that requires further scrutiny is Physician liability and artificial intelligence (AI). Undeniably, AI is by no means flawless since it involves machine learning on present… Read More »

How Do We Stop Screening When it No Longer Makes Sense?

As healthcare providers, we focus a tremendous amount of activity on screening to prevent illnesses. Whether it is cholesterol checks, mammograms, or colonoscopies, there is a time where the benefit diminishes due to the age or health of an individual. Currently, we are in a situation where screening continues past its efficacy. Therefore, how do we stop? It… Read More »

Can Spending More on Primary Care Help to Reduce Healthcare Costs?

Recently, there has been a tremendous amount of focus and thought surrounding the idea that if patients use primary care more frequently, healthcare costs will improve. The thought is if more time is spent on prevention it will decrease the need for additional expensive interventions over time. Simultaneously, there is also conversations surrounding a shortage of primary care… Read More »

Practicing Evidence-Based Medicine

As we focus on delivering value, and decreasing waste, clinical appropriateness needs to be considered on a daily basis. Unfortunately, much variation is due to the lack of health care providers following evidence-based guidelines. There are various reasons this occurs, including a lack of consensus between medical societies, ease of disseminating new information when it is published, as… Read More »

Self-regulation Should Be a Part of Professionalism

A profession is defined as an occupation founded upon specialized educational training, the purpose of which is to supply disinterested, objective counsel and service to others for direct and definite compensation. The two key components of this very “matter of fact” definition are specialized educational training and offering a service to others for payment. Unquestionably, those that provide… Read More »

Why is Screening for Social Determinants Difficult?

In the present age of healthcare, we understand that social determinants play a critical role in health and wellness, as well as influencing our ability to treat illnesses. Those who identify with issues such as food insecurity, intimate partner violence, availability or quality of housing, and the ability to pay for necessities such as utilities like heat and… Read More »