Program Description
The American healthcare system is widely viewed as inefficient and – as currently structured – relatively incapable of delivering optimal outcomes. High infant mortality, an unchecked increase in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, asthma and coronary heart disease are but a few examples of the poor health status of millions of Americans. And then there is the high cost and the rapidly rising number of Americans – especially children – who are either underinsured or uninsured and unable to pay for even the most basic primary care services. The consequences: hospital emergency departments have now become primary care clinics and trauma centers, and the elderly sick must choose between heat, rent, food or the medication that is required to keep their chronic conditions manageable. We spend more money on healthcare than any other industrialized nation, yet our healthcare outcomes are near the bottom and over 47 million Americans do not have insurance, thus limiting their access to care.
Against the backdrop of the national debate, Minnesota’s healthcare reform initiative – set in motion by legislation passed in 2008 – is well underway and includes several innovative elements such as Healthcare Home, Baskets of Care and the Statewide Health Improvement Program. Each offers solutions aimed at improving quality and outcomes while lowering costs. Both nationally and locally, there is wider appreciation for the importance of health promotion and disease prevention combined with the need for fundamental changes in the way care is delivered and providers are reimbursed.
At a recent Institutes of Medicine Summit held in February, 2009 in Washington, DC, more than 600 healthcare professionals discussed the very real prospect that a focus on integrative health would also lead to higher quality care, improved outcomes and lower costs. Integrative health focuses on the whole person; is informed by evidence; and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.
With the need for change more pressing than ever, patient engagement and leveraging the value of all health professionals are two healthcare reform solutions that will be the topic of this Local Conversation. |
AGENDA
Registration: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Program: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Reception: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
» Full agenda
REGISTRATION
» Register online
Co-sponsored by:
4 CE hours for Doctors of Chiropractic |
