Home-based primary care is more than a portable version of office-based care. But is it sustainable in a fee-for-service world? Clinics were built to optimize the productivity of clinicians in a fee-for-service healthcare world, says Patina CEO Jack Stoddard in a recent article in Forbes. But the model doesn’t always hold up, particularly for people who are unable to go to a … [Read more...]

What it means for patients and your provider customers Editor’s note: COVID-19 might not be ending, but the Public Health Emergency is. And the impact on your physician office customers may be far-reaching. In Part 1, we look at potential implications on telehealth/digital health and the distribution and provision of COVID-19 vaccines. Next month we’ll look at the … [Read more...]

New entrants are reshaping the physician market. All roads in primary care medicine appear to be leading toward consolidation. Blame the “disrupters,” such as CVS Health, VillageMD, Amazon, Optum and Aledade, as well as health systems and IDNs around the country. Each has its own strategy. Some acquire physician practices and employ physicians, others work on a contract … [Read more...]

The opioid epidemic has profoundly impacted public health in the United States. In addition to alarmingly high rates of overdose deaths, we have seen a sharp increase in the rates of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), as a direct result of opioid use. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, creating new challenges for … [Read more...]

New Mass General Brigham study finds ways to improve outcomes for heart failure patients. By Pete Mercer A recent study conducted by Mass General Brigham, a Massachusetts-based integrated academic healthcare system, looked at a new approach to improve medical therapies to reduce the risk of worsening symptoms and extend the lives of patients with heart failure. A virtual … [Read more...]

Laura Johns, Administrative Director for Supply Chain and Support Services, Cleveland Clinic Editor’s note: The following interview first appeared in The Journal of Healthcare Contracting’s Women Leaders issue. Please tell us a little bit about your role and responsibilities within your organization. As the Administrative Director for Supply Chain and Support Services … [Read more...]

The updated guidelines include seven essential practices that should be a part of all HAI reduction programs. By Paul Girouard Hand hygiene is a critical component in the reduction of hospital acquired infections (HAIs). A lot has happened in health care over the last few years, yet the guidelines used by providers hadn’t been updated since 2014. So, it’s exciting to … [Read more...]

Understanding the difference between customer service and customer experience. By Pete Mercer Much has been made of improved customer service and the hyperfocus on the customer experience in the last several years. Companies across the world have been focusing on tactics that are meant to improve their relational approach to bringing in customers and driving leads for the … [Read more...]

The importance of role-playing for medical sales success. By Brian Sullivan There is a difference between an Academy Award winning actor and the rest. Sure, having natural talent certainly helps, but the stars in any profession separate themselves by rehearsing and practicing more than average performers. Do seasoned Oscar winners stop practicing later in their career … [Read more...]

How reps can deliver greater value while growing their lab business. By Jim Poggi For me, there are few experiences as exciting and rewarding as presenting a new test to a customer, having them adopt it and finding out later how valuable they found it for their practice and their patients. I am sure those of you who focus your time selling lab solutions feel the same way … [Read more...]