Is the government’s current approach supported by the data?
By Jay I. Pomerantz, MD – Senior Physician Advisor for Health Integrated

After reviewing both the House bill[1] and the recently announced Senate bill, it would appear that healthcare reform is in process. Although there are some seemingly good aspects to both bills, as we have discussed in previous posts, there is still so much that needs to be addressed. To me, some of the burning issues include the redesign of the care delivery model, improving outcomes, addressing the increasing number of people being covered, overall reduction in cost without affecting outcome (and in fact trying to improve outcomes) and countless other key issues. The one area that could use more focus is evidence-based medicine. (more…)

Joining in to implement the PCMH – share your thoughts with Congress
By Jay I. Pomerantz, MD – Senior Physician Advisor for Health Integrated

Now that the bill has passed and the debate ensues in Congress, it is a good time to let our voices be heard as well. As I mentioned last week, the H.R. 3962[1] bill does promote PCMH. The challenge is that the resources are proposed to be spent in further demonstration projects that could last up to 5 years. Many different health plans have studied and shown results. In fact, 27 multi-stakeholder pilots are ongoing in 18 states[2], with significant healthcare improvement and financial savings. (more…)

If the government incents more students, will they come?
By Jay I. Pomerantz, MD – Senior Physician Advisor for Health Integrated

After much debate, the H.R. 3962[1] and H.R. 3961 barely passed the first hurdle within the House – hopefully the Senate and others will continue to review the details and make the needed changes to improve this bill better than its current form. This bill is far from complete or final as the debate in the Senate continues and compromises ensue. Like you, I am anxious to watch this develop. As well, I am hopeful that you are like me – regardless of your position, I encourage your further study and research. Provide your feedback to your representative and Senator as they need to hear from us. More on this bill as it evolves. (more…)

PCMH appears to have a home, but when should the studying end and the doing begin?
By Jay I. Pomerantz, MD – Senior Physician Advisor for Health Integrated

Wow – I just downloaded the House’s version of the healthcare bill – titled, H.R. 3962[1], with the subtitle, “To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.” As you might have heard, it is 1990 pages in length. With politics aside, I have had an opportunity to go through the bill with an eye on what it means for primary care and in particular, patient-centered medical homes. There are many references to both which I would like to review. (more…)