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Not all health care is delivered the same way in the U.S. In fact,
there are several models of health care delivery systems that
range from organizations that are not integrated or coordinated
at all to complete integration.
At one end
of the spectrum, solo and/or small practice physicians work independently
of each other and of other health care providers, such as hospitals,
nursing facilities, etc., and, as a result of this fragmentation,
have difficulties sharing information and keeping track of a patient’s
care and condition. In addition, payment mechanisms encourage
these providers to provide more and more care, which is often
costly and unnecessary.
At the other end of the continuum, there are larger more coordinated
and organized health care systems that have the hospitals, doctors,
and health plans all working together.
It has been
proven that the current fragmentation of the American delivery
system is a significant contributor to increased cost and poor
quality. On the other hand, systems that provide care coordination
have shown success in reducing waste, increasing communication
between providers, and coordinating medical services, all of which
saves money and enhances quality.
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©
2009 Council of Accountable Physician Practices. CAPP is a 501(c)(6)
organization affiliated with AMGA’s 501(c)(3) foundation.
Updated11/30/2009