Providers, payers and IT suppliers learn it pays to get Lean
In many existing IT systems, gathering and analyzing data simply takes too many steps.
"Instant gratification takes too long." This quip from a popular motion picture embodies the thinking of a society that places so much value on expedience that little else matters. But in competitive markets like healthcare, expedience is often not enough. It must be better, cheaper and faster to stand out as a competitive offering. It is in this spirit that the concepts of Lean manufacturing have gained such traction recently in healthcare. The principles of Lean are so intuitive and compelling that providers and payers alike can apply them and derive significant benefits in financial performance and customer satisfaction.
WHERE'S THE VALUE?
LEAN IS THE NEW BLACK
Ironically, Lean is not a new concept, just as the Six Sigma methodology has been practiced in various forms for centuries. It has emerged as a fundamental performance improvement methodology that can be applied to nearly every process, whereas Six Sigma is reserved for more complex problems. The practice of merging both techniques has given rise to a new discipline, "Lean Sigma."
MUDA PRINCIPLE
In this latest episode of Tuning In to the C-Suite podcast, Briana Contreras, an editor with MHE had the pleasure of meeting Loren McCaghy, director of consulting, health and consumer engagement and product insight at Accenture, to discuss the organization's latest report on U.S. consumers switching healthcare providers and insurance payers.
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Price Transparency Reveals Multiple Dimensions of Healthcare Inequities Beyond Just Patients
October 23rd 2024Pricing data shows that doctors serving these communities facing economic challenges are paid less by insurers, effectively penalizing doctors for working in areas where people most need their care.
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In our latest "Meet the Board" podcast episode, Managed Healthcare Executive Editors caught up with editorial advisory board member, Eric Hunter, CEO of CareOregon, to discuss a number of topics, one including the merger that never closed with SCAN Health Plan due to local opposition from Oregonians.
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