Physicians press candidates on health IT, care quality, payment models
The Council of Accountable Physician Practices, an affiliate of the AMGA Foundation, has put forth three topics every candidate running for office this election cycle must know about healthcare.
“The combination of 21st century information technology, tools to measure and improve quality and payment based on outcomes, not the volume of services provided, create the optimal conditions for physicians and their patients to work together to achieve and maintain health,” CAPP Chairman Robert Pearl, MD, said in a statement. Pearl also serves as executive director and CEO of The Permanente Medical Group and president and CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group.
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Noting that healthcare remains one of the most complex and hotly debated topics, CAPP published a primer on three healthcare topics the organization said should be top of mind for presidential nominees and all candidates seeking seats in the House and Senate.
The issues CAPP puts front and center and urges candidates to embrace and understand are:
1. Payment system reform to enable acceleration of the move toward value-based payment and away from the current volume-based fee-for-service model, aligning incentives to reward better patient outcomes, safety and efficiency.
2. Expanded use of health information technology so care providers always have the information they need to make the best care decisions.
3. Consistent and meaningful quality measurements to accurately identify high-performing medical groups and health systems.
In the Senate there are 34 seats up for election, while in the House, all 435 seats are in contention.
“It’s encouraging that we are making progress in providing a more connected, coordinated care experience for patients that will also improve quality and safety, but unfortunately the majority of patients are still not enjoying these benefits,” Pearl added. “Regardless of the election results, the health of our nation must be a top priority. By bringing these healthcare issues into the political discourse, the leaders of CAPP believe physicians across our nation can begin to embrace those approaches that produce the highest quality and best health outcomes.”
Twitter: @Bernie_HITN
Email the writer: bernie.monegain@himssmedia.com
