Michael Porter: Overhauling Health Care
Arar Han (RA), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 2/28/05 Section: News
Insurers could abet progress, proposed Porter, by requiring providers to submit just one bill for the treatment of a single disease. It's "not rocket science" he chided. Such a requirement, Porter predicted, would cause optimization of treatment process by encouraging hospitals to cease viewing themselves "functionally," and rather see themselves as centers for disease treatment. This way, he said, hospitals will develop expertise in treating certain diseases, and competition among experts in successful treatment will eventually deliver true value to the patient market. Patient health information ought to be stored in a centralized location, he added, so that expert providers could access it easily and fully, as needed.
Finally, proposed Porter, citizens ought to be mandated to buy health insurance, with subsidies provided for the poor. While he allowed that such a measure would be controversial politically, Porter took the stance that those who can afford health insurance but simply choose to forego it should be required by law to buy into a health plan, so as to create a stable system with enough resources for all.
Concluding with a note that his presentation was based on work-in-progress, Porter emphasized that he welcomed questions, concerns, and requests for clarification via email: mporter@hbs.edu.
Finally, proposed Porter, citizens ought to be mandated to buy health insurance, with subsidies provided for the poor. While he allowed that such a measure would be controversial politically, Porter took the stance that those who can afford health insurance but simply choose to forego it should be required by law to buy into a health plan, so as to create a stable system with enough resources for all.
Concluding with a note that his presentation was based on work-in-progress, Porter emphasized that he welcomed questions, concerns, and requests for clarification via email: mporter@hbs.edu.