Karen Davis: Delivering Change Through Health System Organization
<p>"Change" is on the minds of many Americans during this election cycle, and it's relevant to any discussion of the U.S. health care system as well. Americans' health care experiences offer further evidence of this need for change. A Commonwealth Fund survey published this month showed nine of 10 adults say it is very important for the 2008 presidential candidates to seek reforms that address health care quality, access, and costs.<br><br>In a <a href="/aboutus/aboutus_show.htm?doc_id=700453">new column</a>, Commonwealth Fund president Karen Davis defines an organized health care system as one that makes it easy for patients and families to obtain the comprehensive, coordinated care they need while also supporting health care providers so they can deliver that excellent care.<br><br>"In the end, changes of the kind I've described will work only if physicians and other health care professionals see in them the opportunity to provide all of their patients with the best care possible," Davis writes. "The reforms must support providers in improving the quality of care and realign financial incentives to reward high-quality, efficient care."<br><br>Please provide your own perspective by clicking on the "Post a Comment" button on our Web site.</p>
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/newsletters/ealerts/2008/aug/karen-davis--delivering-change-through-health-system-organization