Innovate to Improve Care Outcomes

Every day we further expand our knowledge of the human body, the factors contributing to health and well-being, and better ways to prevent and cure disease. Hospitals and health systems have always been at the forefront of medical science, often leading in the development of new drugs, devices, digital tools and care delivery models that make care safer, more efficient and more effective. These innovations reduce spending by preventing illness and injury, shortening hospital stays and enabling more care to be safely delivered in lower-cost settings. Sustained progress, however, requires active partnership with the government and other stakeholders to accelerate medical advancement and the affordability of care.

Actions to innovate to improve affordability include:

• Expand access to predictive analytics and early detection tools. Accelerate prevention and early intervention through broader use of predictive analytics, advanced screening technologies and early detection models — such as AI assisted imaging and genomic testing — to identify disease before it becomes complex and costly.
• Use data driven tools to prevent avoidable harm and utilization. Deploy digital tools and predictive alerts to reduce preventable readmissions, infections and complications, such as sepsis, thereby improving outcomes and lowering total costs of care.
• Improve access to health information technology. Strengthen the digital and data infrastructure by investing in broadband connectivity, interoperable electronic health records and cybersecurity, particularly for rural and underserved areas.
• Advance technology-enabled care models. Redesign regulatory and payment structures to support proven models such as hospital at home, remote patient monitoring and advanced telehealth, allowing care to be delivered in the safest, most cost effective setting.
• Align payment with proven digital innovations. Ensure adequate and sustainable reimbursement for technology based interventions that demonstrate clear clinical benefit and reductions in avoidable utilization.