Build it, and they might come: if a seamless system of care is ever created, it will be the best thing that's ever happened to the chronically ill. But that's a big "if."(chronic care network)

Article Abstract:

The need to create seamless chronic care networks is becoming increasingly urgent as the number of chronically ill people in the US reaches 35 million. The National Chronic Care Consortium is trying to find ways to better integrate chronic care to improve its quality while reducing costs to the provider. The delivery and payment mechanisms of the different types of chronic careproviders including home care services, pharmacies and hospitals are so varied that their integration into coherent and effective chronic care networks may be a long time in coming.

Care and treatment, Analysis, Chronic diseases

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Think big

Article Abstract:

Communities are developing extended health assessments to improve the quality of medical care in rural areas. The data collected from the assessments are used to develop programs tailored to the health needs of the community. Program initiatives are often led by hospital associations, mandated by states, or shared among regional health care organizations.

Health Problems Prevention, All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services, Preventive medicine, Medical care needs assessment, Community medicine

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Simple solutions

Article Abstract:

The health care industry is no different from other service industries on customer service issues. In most instances, patients respond more positively to helpful, friendly staff than to facilities that offer more amenities. Improved customer relations can add value to even the most basic, no-frills operations.

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