July 2019 | Volume 2
MOVING INTELLIGENT CHANGE FORWARD
INNOVATION DIGEST
We need solutions. We also need to ensure that those solutions represent the interests of the most vulnerable in the health care equation. Of course, the cost of care and health technology is out of hand and we need to demand and pay for what works. We also need to ensure that the methods used to evaluate benefit clearly accommodate and build our understanding of patient sub-groups and outcomes that matter to patients and address comparative value across medical interventions. Even more important, we need a simultaneous commitment to evaluating the impact of these policies. They may save us a buck now, but do they cost us more in lost health and unnecessary care due to delayed or sub-optimal treatment? We don’t know. And it should raise concern that we don’t have a plan for finding the answer.
Sound, Fury and Prescription Drugs
Nothing typifies the failures of health care in the United States like prescription drugs. Americans pay more for their medications — including those developed in America, with taxpayer dollars — than residents of any other country in the world. So many patients are rationing or outright skipping essential medications that stories of people dying for want of basic drugs — or fleeing the country to avoid that fate — have become commonplace.
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In the Drive to Decrease Low-Value Care, Many Don’t Assess Whether They’re Doing the Right Thing for the Right Patient
The acquisition adds to UnitedHealth's growing portfolio. The company completed its $4.3 billion buy of Davita Medical Group last week after securing approval from the Federal Trade Commission. Days later, the payer also reportedly reached a deal to acquire healthcare payments firm Equian for $3.2 billion.
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In a small study, a cancer vaccine assist beats immunotherapy drugs alone
The largest study to date of a “cancer vaccine” plus one of the immunotherapy drugs that has revolutionized cancer treatment found that they kept patients’ tumors in check longer, on average, than drugs alone, but that the benefit was still only a few months for two forms of cancer, study sponsor Neon Therapeutics reported on Monday.
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Streamlining Patient-Reported Outcomes to Boost Value-Based Care
Value-based care models may be the way of the healthcare future, demonstrating that clinicians can deliver high-quality care at a lower cost. But for organizations to keep pace in this new payment landscape, they’ll need to make meaningful connections with patients and streamline patient-reported outcomes, all in an effort to manage patients outside the care facility.
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Digital health is growing fast — but at what cost?
Silicon Valley is obsessed with growth. And for digital health startups, that obsession is not only misguided, but dangerous. The prevailing idea in the tech industry is that to succeed, you have to be ready to sell your idea, no matter how far along your idea really is. You’re encouraged to believe in your product even when there is no product to believe in.
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It’s time to change the definition of ‘health’
Meet Betty, a typical aging American. At 82, she spends almost as much time with her doctors as she does with her grandchildren. She has to. She takes seven prescription medications to treat her high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and arthritis. Ten years ago, she was treated for breast cancer. 
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Passion + Quality = Change That Matters
  
I embrace the powerful opportunities in our evolving health care landscape. I founded Momentum Health Strategies to be a catalyst for change through continuous learning, diverse engagement and thoughtful policy and practice initiatives. I deliver innovative, strategic thinking and a passion for improving the patient experience. My personal drive and dedication to high-quality results will help you navigate the competitive terrain you face and convert your vision to action.

Momentum Health Strategies

Jennifer L Bright, MPA
(703) 628 - 0534
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