The Paradox of Authenticity and Healthcare's Fee-for-Service Addiction: Exploring the Common Ground

The Paradox of Authenticity and Healthcare's Fee-for-Service Addiction: Exploring the Common Ground

Authenticity comes with prerequisites. For many folks with marginalized identities, being authentic is not just about being true to oneself, but also about having the safety and support to express their true selves. It is not enough for organizations to simply ask their employees to be authentic; they must create an environment where authenticity is valued and protected.

In the same vein, healthcare in America is facing a dangerous addiction to the fee-for-service model. This addiction has dire financial and health consequences, with the cost of care for an insured family of four reaching nearly $27,000. Year over year, patients are burdened with a higher percentage of their healthcare costs, which is a major warning sign for the healthcare system.

Just as organizations need to show their employees that they value authenticity, the healthcare system needs to recognize the problem and explore treatment options. However, the fee-for-service model has mind-altering effects on its users, making them unaware of their growing dependence. Providers, who are paid for doing more, increase the utilization of services and drive up the cost of care without even realizing they are part of the problem.

Physicians, in particular, have a responsibility to control the cost of the care they provide. Yet, less than 40% of them accept any responsibility in controlling costs. Over the past 30 years, the complexity of patient conditions and treatments has changed dramatically, while the reimbursement system has remained stagnant. This has given rise to a medical gray area where doctors perform complex procedures and interventions that often yield marginal or no benefit.

Researchers are now uncovering the paradoxical findings in fee-for-service care. Regions with more hospital beds per capita see more admissions, and regions with more specialists result in more visits to specialists. However, patients in these regions do not experience improved survival or better quality of life. In fact, the care they receive appears to be worse.

To address these intertwined issues of authenticity and healthcare's fee-for-service addiction, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Foster a culture of authenticity: Organizations must invest in authentic actions that show their employees they value their true selves. This can include inclusive policies, transparent pay and benefits, and support systems that prioritize employee well-being.

2. Shift towards value-based care: The healthcare system needs to move away from the fee-for-service model and towards value-based care. This means reimbursing providers based on the quality of care and outcomes they deliver, rather than the quantity of services provided. This shift will incentivize providers to focus on what truly benefits the patient and eliminates unnecessary procedures.

3. Promote patient education and engagement: Patients should be empowered with knowledge about their healthcare options and encouraged to actively participate in their own care. By understanding the potential risks and benefits of different treatments, patients can make informed decisions that align with their values and goals.

In conclusion, the issues of authenticity and healthcare's fee-for-service addiction share common ground. Just as organizations need to show, not just tell, their employees to be authentic, the healthcare system needs to recognize the problem and take proactive steps towards a value-based model of care. By fostering a culture of authenticity and shifting towards value-based care, we can create a healthcare system that prioritizes patient well-being and delivers better outcomes at a sustainable cost.