Game Changers - Productivity (Part 3 of 3)

Like it or not, the Game Has Changed. So too must productivity. To simply maintain productivity is to fall further behind every day. Why? Because reimbursement continues to erode - a trend that is certain to continue given rising healthcare costs.


By way of a recent example, California experienced a significant decrease in Anthem Blue Cross reimbursement for PT providers ($75/visit cap) this month (Feb 2010). Meanwhile Anthem also announced premium increases for members of 39%. Then of course there is the proposed 21+% decrease in Medicare fees for 2010... Will there be more cuts? Count on it!


With eroding payments productivity must increase if compensation and profits are to be maintained, much less increased. And of course, increased quality of care does not come without investment!


So what does it take to improve productivity in practices today?


1. It begins with acknowledgment that: the “Game has Changed” and that the pace of change is quickening and irreversible... that productivity in current business models is not stable, sustainable, or scalable... that it's time for decisive action.


2. It progresses in dialog with key stakeholders with whom tough realities are discussed candidly and unemotionally, and implications are explored broadly. A consensus is formed and articulated as nonnegotiable business principles.


3. The dialog then expands to engage staff in a series of conversations (not presentations or proclamations) through which realities are explored, shared understandings are formed, implications are considered, loyalties are tested, and commitments are volunteered.


4. It is through talking, dreaming, debating, and yes, arguing that comprehensive plans are formulated and funded.


5. The Game Changes. The implementation of priorities, performance standards, training, responsibilities/accountabilities, work processes/flow/deliverables, information systems, advancement and compensation are all part of the process.


6. Finally, those Changes are leveraged to secure new business opportunity and competitive advantage for profitable growth!


Anything less, is less than serious. Anything is will predictably fail. The cost of not improving productivity is high.


The need for such change surpasses individual practices and encompasses the profession in its entirety; including professional and trade associations, universities that prepare professionals, continuing education, and even vendors. But first, it will take root and form in a small nucleus of practices that will set the pace for the profession and will find considerable opportunity and reward in doing so.


Productivity is a potent Game Changer and potency is what the current market environment demands.


Futures are being determined in the productivity decisions that are made and in the actions that are being taken, whether those decisions are consciously intentional or not.


The automobile industry is being framed by fuel efficiency and value; and so too is the health industry.The game has moved from the friendly, comfort, and predictable to the aggressive, competitive, and chaotic. The new game is fueled by productivity and innovation. The market demands that we lead, follow or get out of the way. Which will it be?


Are you a Game Changer? Got your game face on? Got your game on?


Get productive!


In the next Game Changer post we'll consider Utilization...


All The Best!


Bob

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Performance Builders