Tag Archives: value-based care

It will take a village to improve the healthcare system

I believe we create false distinctions between healthcare and non-healthcare services. Recently I read with great interest a study that explored this issue by Vickery, et al, Cross-Sector Service Use Among High Health Care Utilizers in Minnesota After Medicaid Expansion in Health Affairs. The authors reviewed the service utilization of enrollees across the domains of healthcare, housing, criminal… Read More »

24/7 services improve quality and lower costs

People do not choose when they become sick, injured or require needed services. Other industries comprehend the nature of their businesses and provide coverage that is appropriate to the defined needs. Within the realm of healthcare, this same type of delivery approach is not evident. Ambulatory services tend to follow “banking” hours. Surgeons schedule their cases based on… Read More »

Concierge medicine is excellent for some, deleterious for others

As more physicians embrace concierge medicine, expansion of this service is inevitable. Giving them the ability to focus additional time and directed energy on their patients while also being financially more feasible and operationally easier to administer encourages an inviting transition to this model. Though one could say that their main reason is noble, I am not sure… Read More »

The root of the healthcare problem is the individual vs. society

Achieving lackluster results, the United States indisputably spends an exorbitant proportion of our Gross Domestic Product on Healthcare. There are two sides to that equation: either we should be receiving better results for what we pay, or we should pay less for the results that are rendered. No matter what you believe, a conversation is warranted on why… Read More »

Care value is not based on license

Recently, I have been reading publications regarding the “debate” over what type of patients should be seen by which licensed professional. Frequently this discussion revolves around the usage of Nurse Practitioners, or Physician Assistants versus Physicians. Well discussed arguments for both are abundant. Neither side of the conversation, however, truly has anything to do with the license one… Read More »

Why is evidence-based medicine so difficult to follow?

As we continue to focus on value-based care, where quality and costs are extremely important, there has been an increasing emphasis on practicing evidenced-based medicine. Researchers are now beginning to collect data and evidence not only on clinical matters, but also on issues such as whether patient-centered medical homes truly work or if technology definitely lowers costs. As… Read More »