Seeking the Value in Value-Based Care.

The market forces pushing health care to evolve from volume to value are intensifying. At the same time, the culture change, capabilities, assets, methods, and mindset required to redefine the health care paradigm are staggering. Unlike corporate initiatives, we simply can't get there thinking quarter to quarter. But we will get there.

Polishing the Crystal Ball. How Far Have We Really Come in 2018?

Zachary Hafner: "For the December 2017 issue of Managed Care, I wrote a piece titled, 'Better for Patients, or Better for Business-Do We Really Have To Choose'? I put forward several predictions related to key trends for 2018. Now that we have reached the midpoint of the year, it is a fitting time to check in and see how accurate those predictions have been."

In Cancer Care, Can We Afford To Hope?

At last count, the pharmaceutical industry's new product pipeline included more than 7,000 products in late-stage development, roughly half of which are deemed "specialty." The reality is, our health care system is poorly equipped to address this issue head-on.

Finding Our Way To Serving the Underserved.

It's a must because there is a cost to keeping the underserved that way whether that means funding integrated primary care to help people live healthier lives or footing the bill when people get care in the emergency department.

What Women's Health Wants in Your Market.

Women are a key focus segment for health care organizations both because of the medical services they utilize as individuals and the influence they have on the health care of others. In one survey, 59% of women and 94% of working moms reported making or heavily influencing health care decisions for their entire families.

Better for Patients, or Better for Business-Do We Really Have To Choose?

A trend that is likely to continue in 2018 is the rise of consumerism and expansion of the consumer-driven marketplace. But investing in this is pricey and in an era of shrinking margins is "better for patients" always "better for business?" The Advisory Board's Zachary Hafner answers with a resounding "yes!"

The Health Insurance Conundrum: Crossing the Divide.

Population health management is built on the notion that prevention, early intervention, and proactive management of chronic disease can reduce the incidence rates of costly episodes. But so far the economics are not penciling out. The cost of innovation is outstripping the financial return on investment.

Physician Compensation: Let Form Follow Function.

In true accountable, outcomes-driven models, there is an implicit expectation that physicians, payers, and other caregivers will be working together in new and collaborative ways. This introduces entire new layers of time and effort as new processes must be forged and evaluated, supported by investments in training, technology, and staff.

Navigating the Changing Tides of Health Care: 5 Areas for Leaders To Watch.

Questions abound. Which trends will take hold-and which will fizzle? What will market conditions be like six, 12, or 18 months from now? Are there moves to make without compromising what you've worked so hard to achieve? Here's what to look for.

Why a Strong Consumer-Centered Strategy Will Never Go Out of Style.

The awakening of the health care consumer is powerfully good news for the mission of providers and payers. In other industries, the same forces have led to innovation, cost reduction, and heightened value. We should expect health care to be no different.

Staying the Course on Cancer Care.

The election upended a lot of expectations in health care. But the advantages of building integrated cancer care programs are still there.

Finding the Virtue in Virtual Care.

Virtual care offerings come with no shortage of complexities, but their potential for value has many asking when, not if, to invest.

New Solutions for Curbing Runaway Drug Costs.

Long at odds, the interests of payers and providers are becoming more compatible and aligned. Both stakeholders need to collaborate to manage costs. Encouraging use of generics and biosimilars is one way they can slow down the soaring drug spend.

Time for a Sexual Revolution In Health Care Treatment.

Why is care for sexual health issues considered a luxury when it's a necessary part of population health?

Use Measures, Metrics To Tell Your Story Before Someone Else Tells It for You.

For both providers and payers, the time, effort, and resources dedicated to collecting and reporting data is exorbitant. While most reporting requirements are well intentioned, the proliferation is not adding value and-in some circumstances-does more harm than good.

Meet Joe, the New Face of Cancer.

According to an analysis of Medicare data, 40% of cancer patients have one or more comorbidities and 15% have two or more, the most common of which are diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and congestive heart failure. These diseases can complicate cancer care on many levels.

Beating the Zero-Sum Game, Together.

If you're still bickering over rate hikes and contract minutiae, then you're out of step with the new health care economy. In progressive markets, savvy payers and providers that work together rather than constantly bumping heads are pulling ahead at the expense of slow movers and status quo players.

Modern Physician Executives: Not Your Father's CMO.

The transformation of health care is fundamentally altering the environment in which health systems function, placing the CMO squarely at the center of a new reality where concepts like value, population health management, and outcomes-based payment are becoming key drivers of success.