The challenges with health care delivery in the United States are well documented. Our system is designed to handle acute problems, and yet remains incredibly complex and difficult for most individuals to navigate. Additionally, we increasingly appreciate the impact of social factors on health outcomes. Without a robust approach to improve health behaviors and focus on prevention, the opportunity to intervene upstream passes, and we deal with the downstream consequences.
The costs associated with our current system are not sustainable. Health care is the fastest growing component of the federal budget and the rate of increase far exceeds GDP growth. The consequences are real for local communities, where rising health care costs undercut profitability for employers and drive jobs elsewhere. The new reality for providers involves a shift in accountability. Providers are increasingly accountable for both clinical and financial performance. To stay competitive, providers must deliver more value, not more care.
By the Numbers
as of December 31, 2023