Increased Cost of Care can result to improved health outcomes?

I believe with increased cost of care can result to improved health outcomes since there will be a financial access for technology, training, research and additional equipment which give more services to clients. On the other hand, there are studies show that there are also strategies on improving health care system which give one or more outcomes without raising costs without compromising outcomes. Without understanding the true costs of care for patients conditions, much less how costs are related to outcomes, clinicians and administrators battle over costs and income, rather than working together to improve the value of care. I believe that in any business, if the goal or heart desire of the employer is service oriented or client oriented first make the business grow and financial income will follow.

In 2006, according to Michael Porter and Elizabeth Teisberg in their book "Redefining Health Care", they gave emphasis on a strategy called "VALUE AGENDA". This is an overarching strategy requiring restructuring how health care delivery is organized, measured and developed.

Study on clinical quality and cost efficiency, attempts to bridge the gaps. Some researchers address potential of transparency including cost, quality and effectiveness of medical services and products, identified as a key tool to lower costs while improving outcomes. (Fung, et al, 2008; Morgan, et al, 2008)

Well-organized practitioner groups, hospitals and insurers have demonstrated the ability to provide high-quality care at much lower costs while satisfying costumers. Evidence is emerging that such approaches may be more likely to satisfy the clients than more expensive approaches. (Rovner, 2009)

Even modest costs can discourage patients or clients from purchasing health products and services regardless of effectiveness. (Lohr, 1986). Current cost-sharing tools are much too blunt to encourage good outcomes through pricing. But if we have reliable imparative evidences, more sophisticates economic analytic tool can provide comprehensive price and cost information since clients make decisions when all the options are presented fairly. (CEA registry) 

That's why commitment to research plays a vital role.

At its core is maximizing value for patients; that is, achieving the best outcomes at the lowest cost. If US, London or Canada, can give quality health care delivery system without making patients or clients suffer from paying high bills from heir own pocket, so it is not possible that it can happened to our country, here in the Philippines.

Making a reasonable system balancing the clinical performance and cost efficiency, the best word is "malasakit" for everything you do. You will be directed to a right way for the benefit of all. We are all have out role to play, patients, health care team, employers and suppliers can hasten the transformation - and all will benefit greatly from doing so.

-Essay by Rubeth Madrelino