In: Nursing
Halvorson begins the book with a framework for reform that equally values improvements in care and curbing health care costs. An organized, systematic approach to care delivery and care improvement does not currently exist, according to Halvorson, and he contends that the best health care system is one that focuses on good health and care for everyone. He points out that chronic conditions drive over 75% of the health care costs in the U.S. because the country does not do a good job of intervening and preventing diseases – almost all of which are preventable.
Following are some interesting data from Halvorson's book
Halvorson suggests the U.S. needs a combination of prevention and better care. He argues that while good health care is expensive, it is nowhere near as costly as bad health care. He also emphasizes the importance of connectivity, and that by getting care right in a connected way, and when doctors are connected, you can make a huge difference in the care you’re providing and save money by doing so. As such, the U.S. needs to be fully committed to IT (i.e., electronic medical records for patients and physicians) in order to deliver better care.
By limiting complications, health care will in turn, become less expensive. Before any of this can happen, the U.S. must think systematically about the desired outcomes and work backwards to determine what needs to be done operationally, logistically, functionally and financially. Once that goal has been set, the tools that support the goal can be built.If regional health care also focussed on the opinion of Halvorson that is the best health care system is one that focuses on good health and care for everyone.