I was featured on the Health Tech Talk Show with Kat McDavitt and Lisa Bari, where I passionately discussed the challenges in the American healthcare system. My thoughts were focused on the excessive spending in areas that do not promote primary care, which I find to be crucial for the overall health of the population.
The last 30 years have taught me a lot about what was promised in terms of universal healthcare reform, capitated at-risk entities, and the integration of tech-enabled services. However, the reality we face today is a far cry from what was envisioned. Instead of focusing on improving primary care, non-profit hospital systems have amassed significant wealth, often investing in hedge funds and paying exorbitant salaries to their executives.
I have come across numerous small regional hospital systems where top executives make millions each year, while low-income patients struggle with medical debt, sometimes even incurred within the same organization where they work. The hospital systems seem to thrive on high-intensity services like cardiology and orthopedics, neglecting the importance of primary care.
The concept of value-based care and capitation was intended to address these systemic issues, but in many cases, hospital systems chose to grow by acquiring primary care practices while directing referrals to more profitable procedures. It is disheartening to see that even during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these hospital systems sought government bailouts despite their substantial financial reserves.
In my opinion, if we were to rebuild the American healthcare system from scratch, a significant investment in primary care would be the priority. This is evident from success stories of managing chronic conditions within a primary care setting, particularly in low-income and minority communities. Yet, the investment in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which provide primary care for underserved populations, pales in comparison to the reserves held by hospital systems.
While it is clear that the healthcare landscape in America is heavily influenced by powerful lobbying forces, change must eventually come. It is essential to recognize the critical need for prioritizing primary care and reconsidering how vast reserves held by non-profit hospital systems can be better utilized to benefit the health and wellness of the population.
