Strategic Planning
The Affordable Care Act has impacted how hospitals and hospital systems prepare for the future. The impact
of the ACA, changing the payment structure from fee-for-service to the theory of covered lives, changes the
dynamic in which organizations operate. If a HCO is paid a flat rate per year for each life covered under the
new healthcare plans, the strategy for the future changes in many ways. The focus changes from increasing
volume at high cost facilities such as hospitals, to wellness of the patient, and providing the right care, at the
right time, and at the lowest cost possible (think about an ambulatory setting).
The focus of this weeks assignment is to make sure that the strategic plan secures the future for organizations
and its leaders by crafting a viable future business. To control costs in an environment created by the ACA,
hospital based systems need to focus beyond the hospital, and try to incorporate all aspects of the patients
care and wellness.
Analyze at least 3 different types of services or programs that a healthcare system may look at incorporating
into their portfolio as they develop their strategic plans. As you do your research, you will see examples of
organizations who are very progressive, and some that are focused on the fee-for-service world for as long as
they can.
