Healthcare influences today and tomorrow.

Abstract

PacifiCare Health System’s (PHS) forward-thinking disease management programs and quality initiatives. He reviewed the company’s process for analyzing disease management opportunities, making the determination of buy versus build, and balancing social versus financial return on investment. Dr. Ho also presented an overview of PacifiCare’s consumer-directed provider evaluations that enable consumers to evaluate and compare providers on the basis of quality and cost. A Healthcare Panel accepted the challenge of assessing how healthcare must change in order to survive. Three diverse panelists offered their unique perspectives on how to reach what was revealed to be a common goal: the critical importance of achieving a customer focus. Targeted, appropriate consumer education and decision support are key. Dave Walters, of American Greetings Corporation, and Dr. Bill Yang, of The Coca-Cola Company, presented two different but effective approaches to the healthcare dilemma facing employers. Mr. Walters recounted American Greetings’ experience in dealing with double-digit healthcare inflation in a flat economy. Dr. Yang described The Coca-Cola Company’s initiative for employees with chronic conditions: helping them make the decision to come to work, and finding creative solutions to keep them productive at work until the end of the workday. An expert Pharmacy Panel addressed three aspects of the pharmacy business: the managed care perspective on specialty pharmaceuticals, carrier-based pharmacy benefits management, and one employer’s analysis of the cost/benefits of re-importation of pharmaceuticals. Susan Miller detailed Humana’s web-based health insurance “solutions.” In launching on-line products that enable consumers to assess their risk tolerances and make informed choices from a cafeteria of options, the company promotes its philosophy of providing members with tools to confidently take control of their own healthcare decisions. Dr. Peter Salgo entertained and educated us with his closing keynote presentation, providing an update on SARS—its pathogenesis, the prospect of a cure, and the implications for public health policies. He expounded on the discovery of a pathogen now suspected of being the root cause of heart attack, and left us confident of the prospect of eliminating the country’s number one fatal disease within the next five years. He closed with an intriguing question: As we discover how to control or eradicate the most life-threatening diseases, how do we continue to cover, care, and pay for living longer? As you review the highlights of the conference, I’m sure that you will be inspired to initiate similar discussions with your colleagues and to become an active partner in the continuing evolution of healthcare. HEALTH OF HEALTH CARE S-2