The right information at the right time.
The latest information technology has the power to improve health and reduce costs. But due to independent practices, disconnected networks, and slow adoption, American medicine isn’t fully realizing its benefits.

"Medical errors—estimated to be the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.—are more likely to stem from systems problems than human conduct."
—Source: Institute of Medicine, November, 1999

There is a better way to connect doctors and patients. And it’s being done everyday at Accountable Physician Practices.
When teams of specialists and health professionals share resources, it reduces the expense and personnel required to make communications technology work. Doctors have instant access to vital health information, including electronic medical records and automatic drug alerts. Patients are more connected, more engaged in their care, and more confident that their doctors know everything they need to know. The system is wired for performance.

• Thanks to shared information technology infrastructure, patients of Geisinger Clinic have anytime, anywhere access to health information—electronically, by phone or in person. Through a secure, convenient website, they can schedule appointments, review their health history, order prescription refills, and request referrals. Whatever their situation, they can access the information they need to make an informed choice based on their individual preferences and the best available medical evidence.

• The Henry Ford Medical Group has achieved remarkable success using information technology to fight diabetes. Thanks to a comprehensive electronic medical record and reminder system, doctors have instant access to all aspects of their patients’ care, offices receive automatic prompts to perform recommended tests, and patients receive regular mailed reminders. As a result, the group has achieved top quartile performance in diabetes screening, measures and control.

We have the technology. Together, we can make health care work better.

“Obama Visits Clinic Known for Quality Care, Controlling Costs,” by David Brown, The Washington Post, July 23, 2009

The Post takes a more in-depth look at The Cleveland Clinic, a CAPP medical group, that was touted by President Obama as a model of health care efficiency and quality.

See full story

“Yes, models for cost-efficient health care do exist,” by Jim Landers, The Dallas Morning News, July 28, 2009

CAPP group Scott & White is featured in this article that reviews some of the Dartmouth findings on organizations that can curb health care costs.

See full story

“Atul Gawande: The Cost Conundrum Redux,” by Atul Gawande, The New Yorker, June 23, 2009.

Gawande responds to the skeptics of his highly publicized New Yorker article.

See full story

“The Cost Conundrum: What a Texas town can teach us about health care,” by Atul Gawande, The New Yorker, June 01, 2009

See full story

See archives here