Market-Based Planning, Specialization and Technology To Shape Healthcare Provider Networks for Tomorrow
The evolving healthcare landscape demands that provider networks strike a careful balance between meeting community needs and maintaining financial sustainability. As patient demographics shift and technological advancements, such as telehealth, redefine care delivery, health systems must recalibrate their networks to avoid inefficiencies. A 2024 AAMC study highlights this urgency, projecting a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2036.
How can healthcare systems design provider networks that cater to patient needs, optimize resources, and remain adaptable to future challenges?
In this episode of I Don’t Care, host Kevin Stevenson welcomes Jennifer Moody, partner at ECG Management Consultants. Drawing from her extensive experience, Jennifer shares actionable insights on market sizing, specialty care trends, and the integration of technologies like telehealth and AI. Their conversation unpacks how health systems can design effective networks that adapt to changing demands while staying sustainable.
Key Points from the Episode
- Market-Based Planning: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of understanding market capture and geographic constraints to avoid overbuilding or under-serving specific areas.
- Specialization Challenges: The growing trend of micro-specialization in fields like neurology and ENT has created staffing complexities, impacting both hospital and outpatient care delivery.
- Technology’s Role: Telehealth, wearables, and AI are reshaping provider efficiency and patient access, but their successful integration requires careful planning and execution.
