Marc Harrison presents 5 critical priorities to significantly improve our health care system. As debilitating as the COVID-19 was to the U.S., it helped us to focus on our health and potentially redefined the future of health care in America. The priorities presented in the article by Marc Harrison have the potential to improve health outcomes and our healthcare system as a whole.
One of the main focuses of the U.S. health care system has been treating the ill. The first priority is shifting the focus to improving health. One interesting aspect of COVID-19 was how much worse it affected those with underlying chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic disease. In most cases, these chronic diseases are preventable. It is critical for health care providers to focus on prevention rather than just treating illness. The article mentions a program operated at Intermountain Healthcare which involves physicians directly helping patients improve their overall health by connecting patients with resources such a mental health services, nurse diabetic educators or arranging for home health visits. By focusing on preventive care, physicians are able to spend more time with high-risk patients. Such programs result in better health and has reduced costs by $648 per patient each year compared to standard clinics.
The second priority is tackling racial disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the racial disparities in health care that must be addressed to achieve health equity. The article suggests the key to tackling racial disparities is addressing social determinants of health. According to the CDC, five key topic areas include neighborhood and physical environment, health and health care, occupation and job conditions, income and wealth, and education. By addressing these disparities, everyone no matter their ethnicity, background, or financial situation can achieve health equity.
The third priority is expanding telehealth and in-home hospital services. COVID-19 resulted in rapid acceptance of telehealth. Telehealth allows patients to have access to specialists in rural hospitals without being transferred. In turn, strengthening rural hospitals where the hospitals are typically the largest employers. Telehealth also allows patients to see healthcare providers in the comfort of their home. Burdens such as lack of transportation are eliminated and do not hinder ones ability to receive care.
The forth priority is building integrated systems. Integrated health care systems were another confirmation provided by the pandemic. Those offering their own health insurance or via a partnership with an external insurer are better equipped to adapt and align incentives to rapidly changing circumstances. The American Hospital Association projected that hospitals would suffer from a loss of $54 billion in net income during 2021 as a result of the pandemic. In order to make up for the loss, non-integrated systems would have to cut services and increase prices. Integrated systems would benefit the insurer and the providers.
The fifth priority presented in the article is Adopt value-based care. Valued based care will improve quality of life by reducing health care costs by making health care more accessible resulting in better health outcomes for Americans.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a major eye opener for our health care system. By carrying out the things were learned, we have the ability to transform into a better healthcare system with improved health outcomes.
Harrison M. 5 Critical Priorities for the U.S. Health Care System . Harvard Business Review . https://hbr.org/2021/12/5-critical-priorities-for-the-u-s-health-care-system.