As we think about creating value for those we serve, a major component is making sure we view those that consume the goods we produce as partners in the decision making process. Though this might seem obvious, healthcare has historically not taken this approach. Payments have not been made by those consuming the resources, and the resources (healthcare)… Read More »
Human behavior can be a major hurdle to eating healthier, even when food is free There is a great deal on information concerning the lack of both understanding and access to food that is specific for certain disease states. We talk about specific diets being beneficial for certain diseases, but we know that access and understanding are deficient… Read More »
Personal, human care needed to address both physical and emotional needs My wife recently went to visit her very active parents. Her dad, while out walking the dog before light, tripped and fell. As he is on blood thinner, and he took a hard fall, they proceeded to go to the emergency room. Through the course of the… Read More »
I had the honor and blessing to attend an event that celebrated 25 years of a health center that is almost completely funded by donations. Most of the patients that receive care, around 90%, are refugees from other countries who are not just looking for a better life, but had to leave their homes and cultures just to… Read More »
Naming conventions highlight underlying disease-centered philosophical approach to healthcare I remember a character created by comedian Bill Saluga back in the late 70s named Raymond J. Johnson Jr. When the character would be addressed as “Mr. Johnson,” he would go into a loud shrieking voice saying, “My name is Raymond J. Johnson Jr. Now you can call me… Read More »
Medical homes have made great progress over the years. The idea of creating a patient-centric model focused on the whole person within the four walls of a medical practice is wonderful and greatly needed. But thanks to an ever-changing world, we’re now at a point where we need to think about redefining what the medical home should look… Read More »
Western medicine is focused on diagnosing and treating illnesses. We have been taught that way, trained that way, and act that way. Diagnosing accurately and treating appropriately are done in an attempt to prevent early death. But, if we are successful in preventing untimely death, what have we created? If asked what the opposite of death is, most… Read More »
Healthcare today has become disease-centric. We not only focus heavily on the biomedical needs of our patients, but we do it from a disease-defining perspective. We have pathways and guidelines that are disease specific, we have specialty clinics that are disease specific, and our treatments are very focused on treating a disease. Working from this disease-based paradigm has… Read More »