Road To Real Reform Leads To Cleveland

IBD Editorials ^ | September 3, 2009 | DAVID IGNATIUS

[Kaslin]

When President Obama visited the Cleveland Clinic in July, he lauded its innovative approach to low-cost, high-quality health care: "They've set up a system where patient care is the No. 1 concern, not bureaucracy," he said. "Those are changes that I think the American people want to see."

That's exactly right, Mr. President. But you're running out of time. And rather than trying to reassure people that their health care plans won't change under your reform proposals, you should be honest that embracing the Cleveland Clinic model would represent a revolution in American medicine.

The "cowboy capitalism" model for health care, in which every doctor, hospital and MRI laboratory is on its own, has to end. That's the Cleveland Clinic lesson. The change will have to be gradual, taking place over the next decade. And it will have to be led by our best doctors and hospital administrators, who know what works.

The Cleveland Clinic approach was outlined for Obama by its chief executive, Dr. Delos "Toby" Cosgrove. He explained the organization's pillars: not for profit, based on group practice, led by doctors who are salaried rather than "fee for service" and subject to rigorous annual professional review.

That's what much of our system should look like in 10 years.

When Obama speaks to Congress on Wednesday night, he should remember what he heard in Cleveland: His goal should be reforming the health system, not simply the insurance market. He should propose incentives that push doctors and hospitals to work together, so that they make money by keeping patients well, rather than simply by performing procedures when they get sick.

[Kaslin]

[hinckley buzzard]

Apparently Dr Cosgrove failed to mention to Obama, or this idiot reporter, that Cleveland Clinic has the added benefit of about 6000 wealthy cash customers from other countries every year, not to mention being routinely the recipient of multimillion dollar bequests and gifts from grateful high-rolling patients and ex-patients. Got to help some on that bottom line.

[Sherman Logan]

He should propose incentives that push doctors and hospitals to work together, so that they make money by keeping patients well, rather than simply by performing procedures when they get sick.

If anybody remembers, this was the big selling point for HMOs.

Turned out it was a whole lot easier to make money by just refusing to pay for needed medications or procedures.

[NotSoFreeStater]

Very true. Many Saudis would come and take over whole floors of the hospital and in return for such excellent care would donate large sums of money.

[Right Wing Assault]

[Pessimist]

“The “cowboy capitalism” model for health care, in which every doctor, hospital and MRI laboratory is on its own, has to end.”

Lost me right there...

[Right Wing Assault]

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/abudhabi/cleveland_clinic_abu_dhabi.aspx

[arjay]

I was hospitalized in Cleveland Clinic for almost 2 months. It is a wonderful facility.

Practically everyone there is extremely helpful and friendly.

I cannot believe government run healthcare can come even close to what private healthcare can do.