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What will the future of healthcare look like?

Remember back in 1960s when people talked about building colonies on the moon? There would be homes, schools and, of course, flying cars.

Folks envisioned what the future could look like. Having that imagination and vision is important to create the world we want. Even though the dream hasn’t really panned out (yet), it opened the door to limitless possibilities and forward thinking.

Let’s apply that creativity when drawing up a health care system. Instead of trying to survive in a system that is inefficient, let’s scrap it and start over with the consumer as the most valuable beneficiary in mind. I started to imagine what I wanted to see as a consumer and here is what I came up with…

Imagine a community-based health emporium that offers everything you need for better health including primary care, health coaching, health education, exercise classes, cooking classes and massages in one easy accessible location. It offers high quality primary care to patients with or without insurance. “Primary Care” includes a doctor visit to someone who has been trained to treat the whole patient, not just symptoms. She knows you well. She knows your mom’s name, your boyfriend’s cat’s name and all about your recent vacation to Cancun. She knows your whole story because she took the time to get to know you.

During your first visit you comfortably sip a cup of coffee and your doctor is dressed comfortably, maybe wearing a cardigan and khakis. You have a friendly conversation that isn’t rushed. Your doctor has your phone number and you have hers. You actually enjoy seeing her because she truly cares about your total well-being. In between visits you can email, text or call with any questions.

This dream doctor even reaches out to you between appointments to make sure you are doing well. After your doctor visit, you have a follow-up with a health coach to review your labs and health status questionnaire. Your coach will help your primary care physician implement your plan of action. Using behavior modification techniques, your coach will work closely with you to reach your goals.

Maybe your goal is to cook healthier foods. You’re in luck! The center also offers resources needed to reach your goals such as cooking classes, fitness classes, and other education classes to develop healthy living skills. It is located around the corner, has easy parking, is open nights and weekends and is family-friendly. You get reminders for preventive screenings and are educated about the risks and benefits prior to your visit. It is a sanctuary you go to, like a second home. You also practice yoga there every Tuesday and your doctor is in the same class, she may even be the teacher. You feel taken care of and motivated to take care of yourself.

I admit, I haven’t thought too much about the cost or who will pay for this, but the key is all stakeholders share the same goal: Keep clients healthy and prevent disease. Maybe the insurance company owns the facility, therefore is naturally incented to keep their “group” healthy. Maybe primary care providers are employed by the insurance company and are given standard pay for seeing patients and bonuses and recognition for healthy patients.

Honestly, to become a reality, we need lots of minds at work. Let me hear your thoughts. What do you want out of a health care system? Stop for a moment and take a trip into the future; paint a picture of what you want. Maybe they will hear us.

Photo via rollanb 

Laura Curtin, MCHES Manager, Navigator

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