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As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, one question remains at the forefront of many minds: what are the most effective app startup ideas for improving patient care and reducing costs? While some may believe that nonphysician providers (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) hold the key to solving the doctor shortage crisis, a recent study by Hattiesburg Clinic reveals a shocking truth.
Hattiesburg Clinic, a private multispecialty clinic with over 300 physicians, embarked on a value-based care journey that involved analyzing cost data for its accountable care organization (ACO). The results were astonishing: care provided by NPs and PAs working independently was more expensive than care delivered by doctors. This discovery prompted the clinic to redesign its care model, publishing their findings in the Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association.
The Power of Data Analysis
In 2005, Hattiesburg Clinic employed a total of 26 PAs and NPs; today, that number has grown to 118. Along with certified registered nurse anesthetists and optometrists, they are part of a team of 186 nonphysician providers at the clinic, also known as advanced practice providers (APPs). However, despite the increasing reliance on APPs, the data revealed a stark reality: patients who saw a nondoctor as their primary care provider had higher rates of emergency department use than those without a PCP.
The study's findings were consistent and clear: allowing NPs and PAs to function with independent panels under physician supervision failed to meet goals in providing patients with an equivalent value-based experience. In fact, per-member, per-month spending was $43 higher for patients whose primary health professional was a nonphysician instead of a doctor. This could translate to $10.3 million more in spending annually if all patients were followed by APPs.
The Importance of Physician-Led Team-Based Care
"We didn't set out to do a scientific study per se," said internist Bryan N. Batson, MD, CEO of Hattiesburg Clinic and co-author of the study. "This was really an observational experience that used data to help us drive decision-making going forward." After analyzing the CMS reports on care costs, leaders at Hattiesburg Clinic redesigned their care model so that a doctor is the PCP all patients see.
The new model has been met with success, as patients who saw a doctor as their primary care provider had higher average patient-satisfaction scores across six domains measured by Press Ganey. Physicians also performed better on nine of 10 quality measures, with double-digit differences in flu and pneumococcal vaccination rates.
Revolutionizing Healthcare with Telemedicine
In addition to the redesigned care model, Hattiesburg Clinic has also implemented a more robust use of telemedicine, which has helped with the transition. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it's clear that app startup ideas that prioritize physician-led team-based care and value-based medicine will be crucial in driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.
By embracing data-driven decision-making and prioritizing the importance of physician-led team-based care, Hattiesburg Clinic has set a new standard for healthcare providers. As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that app startup ideas that prioritize collaboration and value-based medicine will be essential in revolutionizing healthcare.