Healthcare leaders agree on the logic behind population health: that the focus of a care delivery system should be on keeping patient populations healthy rather than waiting to treat illness. Yet transitioning away from single-patient, episodic care is a major economic and organizational challenge for hospitals and health systems. They must revamp the roles of physicians, midlevels, and care team providers; implement data analytics solutions and learn to incorporate the findings; negotiate risk-based payment agreements with payers and partners—all at the same time...
The role of physicians is changing dramatically. Physicians today are being called on to help lead healthcare organizations through major changes that will impact patient care, cost, and outcomes, as well as be accountable for the business of healthcare. As clinical care becomes entwined with financial results, the chief medical officer is responsible for better results at the bedside and on the balance sheet. Because business skills are not taught in medical school, hospitals and health systems are filling the void with rigorous leadership programs that prepare...
