21st Century Intelligent Health System

About the 21st Century Health System Project

Healing Without Harm | An Individual-Centered Approach

As the health system transforms into a system that is individual-centered, information rich, electronic-based, transparent of price and quality, prevention and health-focused, metrics led and outcomes focused, the hospital has the opportunity to be the centerpiece of innovation and modernization. Health systems have the community prestige to bring together the major payors and the local governments to develop a regional health information organization. Health systems can and should host the dialogue that brings the entire community into the 21st century. The purpose of the Center for Health Transformation’s 21st Century Intelligent Health System project is to work collaboratively with transformational hospital leaders to develop and test the models, regulations, and policies needed for health systems to lead the transformation.

Laura Linn Project Director

One of the ultimate goals is to work collaboratively with health systems to address various policy and system changes that will create an effective, efficient, and productive health delivery system that delivers high quality and efficient care.

Health Reform Principles

For Individuals:

1. Every American should be encouraged and incentivized to take personal responsibility for their health.
2. Every American should have genuine access to quality, cost-effective care that best meets their individual needs.
3. Every American should have health insurance coverage (private or public) that is affordable, accessible, and portable—no matter where they choose to work or live.

For the Delivery System:

1. Healthcare providers should deliver the best possible care based upon best evidence or best practice.
2. Every provider of care, from doctors and nurses to pharmacists and hospitals, should be interconnected with an electronic health record for every American.
3. Payment to providers should be based on the quality of care delivered, not the number of transactions or services provided.
4. Cost, quality, and performance information should be available and accessible to all consumers in a way that each person can understand.

For Government:

1. Government should promote and encourage competitive, market-based solutions in the private sector.
2. Government should offer effective, efficient, and sustainable public programs for those who truly need them.
3. Government should aggressively invest in targeted clinical research, laying the foundations for future breakthroughs and cures.

The American people have long demanded quality care and affordable coverage. Healthcare today is too expensive. It does not promote better health. It does not deliver the best possible care. And millions of Americans cannot get insurance.

This does not have to be. With the right reforms, we can bring about the kind of change we all want.

This reform plan outlines the principles, goals, and solutions that can build such a future. When the pieces are put together, we will have a system that delivers more choices of greater quality at lower cost for every American.