Helping Patients Make More Informed Postacute Care Choices

Conclusion Selecting the right postacute provider is a complex choice, frequently made under difficult circumstances, with meaningful consequences for the patient and the broader health care system. This complexity will likely increase for patients as reform efforts continue to push integration between acute and postacute providers, possibly creating financial incentives to influence patient choice in ways that may or may not be consistent with their preferences. If consumers are to play an active role in the evolving postacute care choice environment, it is essential that they be well-positioned to make good decisions. Unfortunately, currently available tools have not served consumers well. The changes discussed here would help make patients aware of their provider choices following a hospitalization, allow them to accurately evaluate these options, and facilitate the selection of high-quality providers who can meet their needs and preferences while supporting the overall goals of postacute care payment reform. Author’s Note David Grabowski serves as a paid consultant to Precision Health Economics and Med1 Healthcare, and he also serves as a paid member of the Scientific Advisory Board at NaviHealth.
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Featured Innovations in Care Delivery Medicare Quality consumer choices Nursing Home Compare post-acute care post-acute providers Source Type: blogs