Are You Prepared for the Next Generation of Service Lines?
by Cecily Lohmar
The last decade has seen considerable growth in health care service lines, most often with the objective of expanding the more profitable services. At the same time, there have been numerous market changes – with more to come.
Service lines have been an effective model for improving quality and cost in the hospital environment. However, some key alterations are needed for service lines to remain productive as the shift to population health management and value-based purchasing occurs. These include:
- Developing and integrating the continuum of care
- Aligning the increasingly complex mix of involved physicians
- Refining the reporting structure and enhancing the skill sets of service-line leaders
The continuum of care
Most organizations are investing in the continuum of care. Service-line leaders must have access to this continuum to guarantee that patients receive a coordinated approach to care with the right level of care at the right time.