When discussing the topic of healthcare, negativity seems to prevail. At Healthassist, we take a positive approach and teach our clients the best way to manage within the existing healthcare system: to become an informed, assertive, and empowered healthcare consumer.
I maintain optimism by continuously trying to improve the system. The work of improving processes and outcomes in healthcare is difficult but rewarding. In the past, I’ve had the privilege of participating in several Medicare Demonstration Projects. I was also a member of a Patient Family Advisory Council of a large physician practice and participated in using the Virginia Mason Approach to improve and change the way care was delivered. Currently, I am a member of the Governing Body of Iora Health Network, another Medicare Demonstration Project taking initiatives aimed at doing the right thing for patients.
This article describes some of the challenges and hard work involved in aligning incentives to reduce unnecessary medical care.