The Challenges That We Face

The transformation in health care delivery through Federal reform and payment reform in Maryland is not without its challenges.  Our care delivery model is changing from the traditional model whereby everything revolves around acute care.  We are now heavily focused on the entire continuum of care.  From physician offices, to clinics, to rehab, to home care to nursing homes......all are a growing part of that continuum.  We are here if needed for inpatient care or a visit to our ED.  However, we need to get providers, patients and our community to realize that the traditional model cannot be sustained.  We all need to come to grips with caring for the patient in the most appropriate setting which could be in the home, in a heart failure clinic or remaining at the nursing home for care rather than being transferred to the hospital.  This new approach is the right emphasis, but it is not without its challenges.  There is a lot to be learned by a lot of people, ergo the challenge.