Healthcare executives have a trifecta of value-based priorities they say they must focus on for the rest of 2014. The 10th annual Healthcare Trends and Forecasts in 2014 survey from the Healthcare Intelligence Network reveals that: (1) population health management (cited by 56% of respondents); (2) care coordination (51%); and (3) integrated care delivery (42%) are the front-burner initiatives for healthcare organizations.
ACA impact: Survey respondents were also asked how they expect the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to impact their businesses for the rest of 2014. Some representative responses: “Our customer base will expand greatly with implementation of physician ACO [accountable care organizations] and bundled payment programs,” says a home health/hospice provider. “Less reimbursement. We will have to be smarter and more efficient in how we deliver care and reduce costs,” says a hospital/health system.
One response underscores the uncertainty that surrounds health reform from the physician perspective. “Not sure. Lack of control on hospital service expansion will create even less competition in the marketplace, making physician led delivery networks even more difficult to develop and turn into successful enterprises,” says an independent practice association (IPA).
A total of 136 healthcare companies responded to the survey, which asked 20 questions about front-burner healthcare concerns, the continuing impact of ACA implementation, and the best and worst business decisions (including lessons learned).
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