There isn’t a single cure to address all of the challenges facing our health system, but there is a common goal. We all want a health system that treats patients compassionately, allocates resources efficiently, and provides quality care to those who need it — all without bankrupting ourselves or future generations. Too often we pursue […]
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For many people, the health care system is disjointed and confusing. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated, which leads to disengagement. This is literally bad for one’s health. To make matters even worse for consumers, they are assuming more of the financial risk than ever before to manage their health. This comes also at […]
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Optum Forum 2017 was filled with collaboration, great discussions and networking for more than 1,500 health care stakeholders. We gained new insights into how health care policy is changing, the challenges ahead of all of us and what we can look forward to with new technologies. Throughout the week, more than 200 breakout sessions brought […]
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Ready or not, here it comes — risk-based, fee-for-value health care is here or coming to a market near you! Health care providers are no longer asking whether they should get ready. They are asking: How fast should we make the transition? They know it may not be pretty. “Organizations need to set a goal […]
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“Anytime you have a patient that’s more engaged and involved in their care, your outcomes are better.” That’s a quote from Judy Herrington, who has 30 years’ experience in the health care field and serves as the vice president of nursing, medicine services at Parkland Hospital in Texas. Her front-line observation echoes the results of […]
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To drive down costs and improve care through value-based models, one must have a deep understanding of the population they serve. Health care providers have this knowledge. Their familiarity with the demographics, economics and general needs of their communities means some are well-positioned to launch their own provider-sponsored health plans (PSHP) and have a sense […]
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Failure to follow up with a physician or follow a medication regimen can cause a recently released patient to end up right back in the hospital. But there are other, non-clinical factors that also lead to readmissions. The causes can be grouped into three main categories: Patients’ medical literacy According to the National Network of Libraries […]
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While providers may now see population health programs as key to value-based care success, many are struggling with implementing change in a way that affects outcomes. “It’s like the proverbial changing of the tires while driving down the road at 90 mph,” says Steve Griffiths, senior vice president of Health Care Analytics Consulting at Optum. […]
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With the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act replacing the sustainable growth rate, changes are coming for physicians. But will MACRA impact facility providers? Consultants at Optum say yes. Specifically they say hospitals and health systems should prepare for changes to referral patterns and readmission rates. Jay Hazelrigs, vice president and lead actuary at Optum, […]
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Analytics platforms that provide insights immediately after data is collected can help physicians and care managers make the most of their time with patients. Real-time data integration allows care teams to engage patients closer to the point of care and make decisions on next steps. But in some cases even data accessible in real time […]
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