Reform is driving an industry redefinition of “value” that challenges traditional healthcare business models. Several solutions to move healthcare delivery organizations toward evidence-based value orientations have been proposed, including accountable care organizations and new payment models like bundled pricing.

Any new business model that acknowledges the critical role of clinical decision making in determining cost and quality requires the creation and use of predictive care paths to define the sequence of actions and options in treatment. Given the complexity of clinical practice, physician input is central to any of these efforts, both to ensure buy-in and to leverage their expertise. In their article Engaging Physicians to Improve Quality and Lower Costs, published by H&HN, NAI Managing Partner Michael Abrams, M.A., Business Analyst Dana Hage, M.P.H., and Consultant Eric Abrams, M.B.A. describe the steps that healthcare leaders should take to secure physician buy-in to care paths, and to the broader goal of improved quality and lower costs.