Lutheran Health Network’s Post

The 2023 Primary Care Collaborative Evidence Report, Health is Primary: Charting a Path to Equity and Sustainability, looks at factors driving the downward trends in primary care: fewer clinicians practicing primary care, fewer available primary care appointments for patients, lower spending on primary care as a share of total spending, and fewer adults reporting that they have a usual source of primary care. More info and to download: https://lnkd.in/gs8SUhBi #primarycare #healthcare

If you missed Contessa President Kendall Hagood's discussion about the trajectory of advanced care in the home this upcoming year, check out her recent blog on the topic: https://hubs.li/Q02p-r480

Investing in primary care at BCBSMA

Access to primary care is weakening across the country. Changes in public policy are required, but state officials face myriad options that can be overwhelming. The most effective state strategies are likely the ones that align with the federal government’s primary care initiatives. To help states track the various federal primary care initiatives and prioritize their own activities, Lauryn Walker, chief strategy officer for the Virginia Center for Health Innovation, created the Primary Care State–Federal Alignment Tool to offer a template for systematically evaluating how state activities align with each federal initiative. A companion issue brief for public and private sector leaders engaged in state-level primary care reform by Walker and Milbank’s Lisa Dulsky Watkins and Christopher Koller describes six key activities that will help states best leverage their authority.

Once the proposed transaction receives the necessary approvals, there will be immediate benefits to patients, physicians and caregivers throughout the communities Saint Peter’s serves. #JLLHealthcare #HealthcareFacilities #PatientExperience

Once the proposed transaction receives the necessary approvals, there will be immediate benefits to patients, physicians and caregivers throughout the communities Saint Peter’s serves. #JLLHealthcare #HealthcareFacilities #PatientExperience

Analysis reveals physician-owned hospitals could have saved Medicare over $1.1 billion! The debate on physician-owned hospitals continues, and the numbers are speaking volumes. A new study suggests that POHs could have generated significant savings across 20 of Medicare’s costliest conditions in 2019. It's a powerful argument for lifting the ban on new physician-owned hospitals, and lawmakers are taking notice. The report, backed by doctor lobbying groups, highlights the potential for significant cost savings without compromising quality. The findings challenge claims that these hospitals selectively treat healthier, less costly patients. However, hospital lobbyists insist that physician-owned hospitals cherry-pick patients, do not enhance quality, and increase federal spending. The battle over this issue is ongoing, but the cost-saving potential speaks for itself. What do you think? Let's discuss it in the comments. Craig Kennedy Sofia Y. Emma Jean Rayner Natalie Binshteyn MSA #HealthcarePolicy #PhysicianOwnedHospitals #MedicalCosts

Florida Blue and Sanitas Medical Center are teaming up to open a new primary care clinic in Jacksonville, focusing on a "value-based" approach to healthcare. This means they'll be rewarded for keeping patients healthy, instead of just the number of services provided. Key points: - Shifting from volume to value: Florida Blue's Dr. Elana Schrader says the healthcare system is moving towards paying for better outcomes, not just more procedures. - Comprehensive care: The clinic offers preventive care, chronic condition management, mental health services, and more, all under one roof. - Serving specific needs: The clinic targets individuals 50+ and Medicare enrollees, addressing the growing needs of this population. - Compassionate care: Patients are assigned a dedicated care team for consistent support. - Addressing mental health: The clinic offers readily available behavioral health services, recognizing the increased demand. Additional takeaways: - This marks the 53rd collaboration between Florida Blue and Sanitas across Florida, mostly focused on primary care. - The partnership aims to address the influx of new members due to the Affordable Care Act and provide culturally competent care. - This is their first venture into northeast Florida, with plans to serve 5 million #Medicare-eligible residents in the state. - The clinic emphasizes convenience with extended hours and virtual services. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02kmTjD0

Check out this article featuring our very own President Joshua Kochek. Get more insight on our company's strategic moves, discussions about acquisitions, and the investment on culture.

October 6th - 12th is Primary Care Week --Community Health Centers make up the nation’s largest network of primary care providers. According the the AAFP, "Family medicine is an essential part of the primary care workforce. In fact, more family physicians practice primary care in the U.S. than any other specialty. Not only that, family physicians best match the geographic makeup up communities in the U.S., meaning many underserved communities rely on their family doctors as a lifeline." These vital healthcare centers are the first line of defense for patients who need yearly checkups, have non-emergency healthcare concerns or need yearly vaccines. The CHC Alliance exists to support primary care providers in underserved areas. #TheCHCAlliance #PrimaryCare #FamilyMedicine