America’s health care spending is more than double the per capita average of other high-income countries, yet health outcomes and life expectancy in the United States lag considerably. How can society as a whole finance health rather than health care? Who should lead this effort, which is arguably the most pressing societal need?
These questions were debated at an NEJM Catalyst roundtable discussion, which brought together experts with different perspectives:
- Wayne Jonas, MD, of Healing Works Foundation, who is dedicated to whole-person care
- Hoangmai (Mai) Pham, MD, MPH, founder and president of the Institute for Exceptional Care, a nonprofit focused on health care transformation.
- Carolyn Clancy, MD, assistant under secretary for Health for Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks, Veterans Health Administration.
- Rushika Fernandopulle, MD, MPP, instructor in medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital; faculty, Harvard Medical School; and co-founder of Iora Health.
Moderated by NEJM Catalyst’s executive editor, Namita Seth Mohta, MD, and editorial director, Edward Prewitt, MPP, the discussion touched on the role of communities, the need for a social movement, changes needed in measurement, and payment structures. Download this free report to apply these lessons to your own organization.