An Interview Series by Tomorrow Health
A conversation with Gabriela Perez, Chief Growth Officer, Tomorrow Health and Will Shrank, Former CMO, Humana.
In today's complex healthcare landscape, effective care coordination is crucial to ensure seamless delivery of care and improved patient outcomes. As health plans face increasing pressure to manage costs and adhere to regulations, technology plays a crucial role. Join us as we delve into the intersection of technology and care coordination, and discover how Tomorrow Health is revolutionizing the way DME is ordered and managed in healthcare settings.
Gabriela Perez: Why is care coordination so crucial in today's healthcare landscape?
Will Shrank: Care coordination is essential because it connects all aspects of a member’s care, from primary care to specialists and other services. This connectivity is crucial for delivering comprehensive, timely care that improves patient outcomes and reduces inefficiencies. Given the financial pressures and regulatory demands on health plans, seamless integration of services is more critical than ever.
Gabriela Perez: What tangible benefits does effective care coordination offer?
Will Shrank: When implemented effectively, care coordination optimizes the healthcare journey for members by ensuring they receive the right care at the right time. For health plans, this leads to lower costs due to reduced unnecessary procedures and hospitalizations, improved patient satisfaction and better overall health outcomes.
Gabriela Perez: What challenges do health plans face with care coordination today?
Will Shrank: Many of the challenges stem from the need to balance regulatory compliance with cost management, all while ensuring high-quality care. These challenges are compounded by the multitude of disparate systems that need to be integrated effectively to maintain smooth operations.
Gabriela Perez: How can health plans address these challenges?
Will Shrank: Health plans can benefit from integrated solutions that enhance operational efficiency while adhering to regulatory frameworks, ensuring interconnected and streamlined care. Technologies that bridge the gaps between disparate systems are essential, transforming regulatory adherence from a burden into an opportunity for improved care coordination. This approach not only meets compliance demands but also optimizes patient outcomes and resource use, demonstrating clear ROI.
Gabriela Perez: What role does technology play in enhancing care coordination?
Will Shrank: Technology is pivotal. It enables care teams to manage complex patient needs more effectively by providing tools for real-time data access and communication. For instance, utilizing electronic health records and telehealth platforms facilitates seamless information sharing and can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of care coordination.
Gabriela Perez: How can health plans leverage technology to enhance care coordination efforts?
Will Shrank: Health plans can leverage technology in several ways to enhance care coordination. By investing in interoperable systems and data analytics, they can identify high-risk members, track outcomes, and proactively manage chronic conditions. Moreover, telemedicine and remote monitoring solutions enable more accessible and convenient care delivery, particularly for members in rural or underserved areas. Ultimately, technology empowers care coordinators to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively, driving better outcomes for members and health plans alike.
