title: High-quality, affordable healthcare in the United States--an achievable goal.
abstract: We have evidence that quality and efficiency work together for better healthcare processes for patients while providing cost savings for employers. The complex processes and frequent disconnects among providers who care for the same patients are obviously an area of opportunity for improvement. By standardizing processes for care, we can begin to effectively measure quality and efficiency throughout the value chain. When we work as a team, focusing on quality and measurement, we can look to a future when the best possible care is efficiently and effectively delivered to patients. The future will also be brighter for employers dedicated to providing high-quality, competitive benefits for their valued employees and retirees while maintaining profitability.
authors.affiliation: Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Glen A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Barton
mesh_terms: D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003363:Cost Control / Q000379:methods; D019468:Disease Management; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D017049:Employer Health Costs / Q000639:trends; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D007221:Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D007324:Institutional Management Teams; D017146:Models, Organizational; D012941:Social Responsibility; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*