Transforming Healthcare: Why Incremental Change Is Insufficient

Anna Youngerman, Chief Transformation Officer at Navvis, is addressing a critical issue in healthcare: the need for substantial, systemic change rather than incremental adjustments. In a candid reflection, Youngerman highlights her 15-year journey in the healthcare sector, where she has encountered intellectual challenges alongside deep frustrations. She emphasizes that despite acknowledging systemic failures, the industry often lacks the courage to implement meaningful solutions.

Identifying Systemic Failures

Youngerman’s role involves navigating the complexities of healthcare, where she analyzes reports on hospital closures, mergers, and the growing workforce crisis driven by burnout and financial instability. “These are logical symptoms of a failing organism,” she notes, arguing that the healthcare system often focuses on treating symptoms rather than pursuing genuine transformation. As she states, “Trying is not enough,” echoing the sentiment of the fictional character Yoda: “Do or do not. There is no try.”

Recent surveys from Gallup and West Health reinforce her concerns. They found that 35% of Americans struggle to access quality, affordable healthcare, and only half of the population is considered “cost secure.” Furthermore, 38% of insured individuals, including 80% of those with employer-sponsored plans, have delayed or avoided necessary care due to financial constraints. This erosion of trust in healthcare is alarming; Youngerman argues that without addressing these issues head-on, the crisis will only deepen.

Rethinking Healthcare Structures

Youngerman stresses that true transformation requires a fundamental shift in mindset. The healthcare industry has long been entrenched in outdated systems, particularly the fee-for-service (FFS) model, which often leads to misaligned incentives. This approach may provide temporary relief but fails to address the core issues plaguing the sector.

To foster real change, the focus must shift to four critical areas: access, outcomes, patient experience, and affordability. Youngerman identifies cost as the primary driver of healthcare challenges, affecting individuals, health systems, insurers, and the broader economy. Tackling this issue means moving beyond superficial initiatives that only alleviate symptoms and instead implementing structural changes that empower healthcare providers and insurers.

For instance, she argues that simply adding a care management program for select patients, while neglecting high-cost care sites and inconsistent treatment practices, is ineffective. “Without structural realignment, we’ll always be swimming upstream,” she explains.

Youngerman advocates for a systemic approach that recognizes the interdependencies within the healthcare landscape. This includes developing a cohesive payer-provider contracting strategy that effectively integrates fee-for-service with value-based care (VBC). Smart deployment of resources is crucial, focusing on actionable insights derived from data analysis to inform impactful decision-making.

Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of activating healthcare professionals by providing them with appropriate financial incentives, actionable data, and the autonomy necessary to achieve meaningful outcomes. While these steps may seem straightforward, they require commitment and collaboration across the industry.

As Youngerman concludes, “Transformation is no longer optional; it’s the only path forward.” The healthcare sector stands at a pivotal moment, one that necessitates a collective effort to address systemic flaws and rebuild trust with patients.

Ultimately, the journey toward meaningful change in healthcare is complex but essential. With leaders like Anna Youngerman advocating for bold solutions, there is hope for a future where the system prioritizes patient needs and fosters a more sustainable model of care.