Changing Health Care

Despite the work we have done in Massachusetts, the cost of health care remains higher than in any other state in the nation. At Lahey Health, our mission is predicated on delivering care in the most appropriate and cost-effective setting without compromising quality. Our model of care is not just aspirational – we’re proving it every day. Together we can fix the rising cost of health care in Massachusetts. In the following talk, our President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Howard Grant explains how consumers, employers, insurers and health care providers can work together to fix this growing problem.

Why we came together

The health care market is consolidating at a rapid pace, and we knew that by coming together we could provide an unsurpassed level of high-quality, coordinated care that will meet the needs of our patients and communities locally for years to come. Different than other health systems in our region, the goal of Lahey Health is to keep care within our communities with the same level of quality, or in many instances, a higher level of quality than you expect.

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Beverly Hospital, Addison Gilbert Hospital and Winchester Hospital are strong community organizations that for decades have shared the same values and philosophy of doing what is right for patients by providing expert care, the best outcomes and a spectacular patient experience each and every time.

Dramatically changing health care landscape

Our focus is on keeping patients well.

Quality care and safety have always been our number one priority. But for years, all health care organizations have been operating on a fee-for-service payment model, which meant that we also needed to be concerned with how busy we were because that is how health care providers were reimbursed for their services.

We are now looking at new reimbursement models that finally bring greater focus to how well we keep our patients and communities healthy, and reimburses us for the quality of care provided – both excellent clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction – a tremendous shift that benefits our patients.

Delivering care in a responsible way

There are ways to better manage the cost of care without sacrificing quality, safety and clinical excellence. By keeping care local, coordinating care and using the continuum of health resources available within the Lahey Health system of care, and by being smarter about the way we deliver care, with a greater focus on keeping patients healthy, we help minimize expense while providing better outcomes for our patients.

As a not-for-profit organization, we recognize it is our responsibility to make business decisions that provide an opportunity to maintain an operating margin so that we are able to reinvest health care resources back into our local communities.

What makes us different?

Lahey Health provides the full continuum of care you need to become and stay healthy, all through your life. At every step, we are committed to easing your concerns and addressing your needs with the latest health care solutions.

Services delivered where they make the most sense for you and your health care needs.
Investments in resources such as a leading-edge electronic health record system that brings all your providers together for the highest-level of coordinated care.
A greater focus on wellness, preventive care and disease management.
A greater understanding of what needs to change to keep health care high quality, accessible, and affordable for decades to come.