Many value-based care models have helped generate savings, reduce costs, and improve care quality, but models must incorporate health equity and clinical outcomes to achieve true value for all, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Value-based care aims to tie healthcare payments to the quality of care rather than the quantity of…

Poor nutrition is a leading cause of illness, health care spending, and lost productivity in the US and globally, predominantly from cardiometabolic diseases, cancers, other chronic conditions, and undernutrition. These burdens disproportionally harm lower-income, less-educated, and minority racial and ethnic groups, contributing to health disparities. Nourishing foods throughout the life span, starting in utero, are…

ACOs have used “old school” data sources for many years to focus coordination of care activities. Perhaps your ACO has done the same, using reports such as admissions and ER discharges, post-acute admissions, visit history and missing labs to target patients for outreach. Similarly, your ACO might use HCCs to identify patients with higher risk…

Health disparities are widening — especially in respiratory care. According to research from JAMA Internal Medicine, over a 40-year period — 1978 to 2018 — pediatric asthma rates among children from lower socioeconomic households increased nearly 400% — 210% more than the prevalence among children from wealthier homes. Similarly, COPD prevalence among low-income Americans rose…

The emergency department (ED) is vital to any healthcare system, providing immediate care for acute injuries or traumatic/life-threatening health issues by a highly trained team of medical professionals. This kind of life-saving care is undoubtedly invaluable.   However, there are plenty of circumstances where the ED may not be the most appropriate choice. In fact,…

Primary care is associated with improved life expectancy and reduced health care disparities. It is the frontline of our health care system, and is critical for tackling the growing behavioral health crisis and addressing social needs of patients, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its value, several indicators suggest that the sustainability…