The big headlines on healthcare should be screaming “innovation.” And the most impactful innovations are coming from the seeming opposite dynamics of new technologies and old-fashioned customer service.
The U.S. healthcare system has been undergoing tremendous transformation in the past 10 years. The Affordable Care Act, payment reform and explosive changes in population health management have been at the epicenter of this change. At Equality Health, we believe the future of healthcare is in the delivery of quality care to the massive shift in population demographics in this country. As the diversity of America grows, so should its delivery system. Health disparities cost more than $230 billion in direct medical expenses each year and correlate with significant annual economic losses nationally, including an estimated $35 billion in excess healthcare expenditures, $10 billion in illness-related lost productivity, and nearly $200 billion in premature deaths. Quality healthcare must be able to reach the social and cultural needs of our communities, at the zip code and neighborhood block level. Customization of traditional networks and healthcare resources must be configured in a way that increases access, quality, affordability and health equity for all citizens in our great State of Arizona. Innovations that drive inclusiveness, mutual respect and multiple perspectives for all healthcare consumers will be paramount as we close the gap in health disparities in the coming years. Employers, healthcare providers and health plans have a vested interest and play a vital role in these collective efforts.
While many advances are taking place in all areas of medicine and bioscience, In Business Magazine focuses this issue’s cover story on consumer-facing aspects that affect healthcare usage. Among the companies leading the way in that regard are those featured in this issue’s cover story; In Business Magazine has asked their experts to share how those advances are making a difference to employers and employees.
The monthly Healthcare page looks at other aspects of current issues including, opioid concerns and the role for medical marijuana in healthcare. On the Technology page, you’ll find where opportunity is expanding in the maker space. CRE’s page zeroes in on real estate’s retail sector. And a Focus feature this month offers steps to successfully introduce innovation in your company.
Most businesses know there is always a crisis waiting around the corner. Companies can minimize — maybe even avoid — negative impact by preparing for possibilities. Communication can be the first line of defense — before as well as during. The feature article “Crisis Communication Is Key for Businesses” deals with this in depth.
Just in time for the open enrollment season and year-end decision on healthcare options, In Business Magazine has updated and once again presents its Healthcare Decisions Guide: Open Enrollment & Benefits section that helps introduce business owners to healthcare services and innovations for businesses.
It’s my pleasure to help bring you this October issue of In Business Magazine, and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Sincerely,
Hugh Lytle
Founder, Chairman and CEO
Equality Health
Founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Equality Health, Hugh Lytle is a serial entrepreneur and self-described healthcare rebel with more than 25 years of executive healthcare leadership experience. His passion for disrupting an undesirable status quo is what drives him to develop groundbreaking healthcare solutions like the work being done at Equality Health.
Lytle served as an independent board director for GreatCall, Inc. until the sale of the company in summer 2017. He currently sits on several healthcare advisory boards. He received an MBA from Butler University.
