ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the second section of this book. The section explores strategies to align incentives through payment system redesign. It looks at lessons learned from the era of managed care in hopes of anticipating and possibly avoiding similar issues with the expansion of accountable care organizations and medical homes. The section reveals that wellness programs, preventive care, and disease management will only achieve their promised results if one can identify cost-effective programs and find ways to incentivize participation by the individuals who could most benefit from them. It explores new types of providers emerging in the healthcare industry (e.g., retail clinics and specialty hospitals), and the new role of the consumer in this "disruptive innovation" environment. The section also discusses the potential for health information technology (HIT) to organize, coordinate, and streamline care.
