Both of the following articles were published in the Indianapolis Star and provide a great example on the adage from Einstein that “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
Define how the stakeholders define quality and you resolve the paradox.
An ounce of prevention saves money and lives. By Bill Corley, July 7, 2008.
Most employers offer health insurance to take care of workers when they get sick. … Five years ago, the health-care company I lead was experiencing double-digit increases in health expenses every year, and that clearly wasn’t sustainable.
That’s when we took a good look at the alternative that keeps them from getting sick in the first place. The results of our wellness efforts have been remarkable, with increased participation and decreased expenses, and the good news is that you don’t have to be in the health-care business to achieve similar results.
The High Cost of Healthy People, by Froma Harrop,
The word “prevention” has a nice ring in any health-care discussion. Thus, many politicians argue that programs to stop smoking, improve diets and otherwise promote wholesome living save money in the long run. A healthier population at less cost —sounds like a win-win situation.
Unfortunately, that formulation is a pleasant fantasy.
Medical economists agree that cancer screenings and gym classes can lead to physical well-being and longer lives. But in the interests of honest accounting, they add that prevention does not reduce overall health-care spending. On the contrary …
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