Highest Quality Care
A complex health care system demands a smarter, more compassionate and better coordinated approach. We need to support doctors, hospitals and nursing homes working together to ensure the confidence of patients and their families in the quality of care.
The U.S. health care system has the world's highest spending per person, top-notch clinicians, the latest medical technology and state-of-the-art facilities. Yet there is much room for improvement if we are to take the steps necessary to make medical practice consistent with the most current research, coordinate care across settings and over time, and measure and reward excellent performance.
Ideas for Change
Develop and Expand Evidence-Based Care
Create a national investment to research the best evidence in patient care and develop best practice guidelines and swifter implementation.
Encourage Good Behavior
Reward quality providers who deliver medical care based on the best evidence and whose patients achieve the best outcomes at reasonable cost.
Incentivize Health Providers to Aim for Health, not Treatments
Redesign the payment structure so health providers are paid a single amount for the entire episode of a patient's care.
Take Steps to Reduce Health Disparities
In an increasingly diverse America, we need to ensure that research includes appropriate representation of all populations.
Improve Coordination
Better integrate physical and mental health care by re-examining how coverage and payments are structured.
Create a Plan for Seniors
Require everyone to develop an advance care plan and expand options for end-of-life care at home.
Foster a Team Approach
Modernize laws and regulations to allow doctors, hospitals and others to work in networks.
Action Steps
Compare the services and ratings of hospitals in your area.
Learn strategies you can use to receive better health care.
Know your rights as a patient by familiarizing yourself with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Links
U.S. News / AHA Hospital Directory
Hospital Quality Initiative