What is the story about?
What's Happening?
A new report from the Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC and KLAS Research highlights how health systems are shifting their focus towards ambulatory care. This strategic move is driven by changing patient expectations, workforce limitations, and financial pressures. The report, titled 'Moving Outside the Hospital: Ambulatory Care Strategies at Leading Health Systems,' details how large health systems are adapting by providing more care in community settings, closer to patients, and outside traditional inpatient facilities. Centralized leadership is guiding this shift, ensuring alignment around care access, efficiency, and sustainability. Health systems are investing in high-growth and underserved markets, prioritizing multispecialty clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and virtual care platforms. Partnerships with independent physician groups and technology companies are crucial for expanding care options and accessibility.
Why It's Important?
The shift towards ambulatory care is significant as it addresses the growing demand for accessible healthcare services. By focusing on community-based care, health systems can improve patient retention and bridge care-access gaps. This approach is particularly important in high-growth and underserved markets, where traditional inpatient care may be less accessible. The emphasis on partnerships allows health systems to leverage external expertise and resources, enhancing their ability to meet evolving care demands. This strategic shift could lead to more efficient healthcare delivery, reduced costs, and improved patient outcomes, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
What's Next?
Health systems are likely to continue expanding their ambulatory care strategies, focusing on scalable care models and strategic partnerships. As these systems adapt to changing market conditions, they may explore new technologies and care delivery methods to further enhance patient access and care quality. The ongoing investment in ambulatory care could lead to significant changes in healthcare infrastructure, with more emphasis on outpatient services and virtual care platforms.
Beyond the Headlines
The move towards ambulatory care reflects broader trends in healthcare, including the shift from volume-based to value-based care. This transition emphasizes patient-centered care and preventive services, aligning with national healthcare goals. The focus on community-based care also highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, which can significantly impact patient outcomes.
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