“Why is the Healthcare System so Complex?”

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Nexus 2023 Meeting took place last week. I was particularly struck by discussions of the constant state of change and the ever-increasing complexity of the United Stated healthcare system. Perhaps that is no surprise to anyone who is immersed in this system, but it made me think about and question why the system is so frustratingly complex in the first place?

While the diversity of treatment and payment models is a “crucible of innovation” it seems that the system has become so balkanized and complex that even the “experts” are baffled by it and the upcoming implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Perhaps we would do better if we return to basic principles as I believe the raison d’etre?of the healthcare system is to improve the quality and quantity of life and maintain the dignity of every member of our society.

In my many years in the pharmaceutical industry, nearly every single person with whom I’ve had the privilege to interact, whether it is healthcare providers, manufacturers, regulators, payers, and investors, truly believe in this mission. Working with the FDA, PBMs, medical experts, or institutional investors, I have seen first-hand the passion for improving the lives of patients. It’s possible that I have been particularly fortunate in my experiences, but I have not worked with many who do not work tirelessly to advance this objective.

Perhaps the rise of integrated healthcare systems that manage overall patient health for longer periods of time will help better align the goals of all stakeholders, but I also think that each of us should work harder to keep this mission of helping patients truly at the center of all of our actions and not allow our individual priorities to supersede.??

I have decided that I can and need to do my part to return to my “reason why” I went into healthcare so many years ago and to continue to let my passion drive me. If I do better to put the patient first, I believe I can do my part to “simplify the system” and do a better job?serving?those stakeholders?who matter most.?