Like a Total Eclipse

Just over a week remains! On April 8, a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of the US, promising to be significantly larger than the 2017 event. NASA reports that approximately 31.6 million individuals live in the path of the total eclipse, compared to 12 million in 2017. If you’re preparing to witness the eclipse, be sure to review important safety precautions by clicking here. And don’t forget to create an eclipse playlist or two!

Shine a Light
Healthcare can often resemble a prolonged solar eclipse spanning years or even decades—a scenario far more desirable than likening it to a black hole! Desired data and information such as cost, clinical outcomes, provider performance are all too hidden from view. Just as an eclipse gradually reveals the sun again, efforts to enhance healthcare transparency reveal crucial information, bit by bit, until finally in full view.

Although light may be the fastest ‘physical’ entity in the universe, its speed doesn’t translate when shining a light on healthcare. Moving the needle on healthcare transparency takes unwavering perseverance to overcome the barriers presented by the fragmented system, competing stakeholder agendas, and financial interests. Most of all, transparency takes time – a lot of time.

Beyond the Eclipse
The end of a healthcare eclipse doesn’t signal the beginning of sunny days. The conflicting interests of healthcare providers, politicians, pharmaceutical and device companies, and special interest groups can obscure the once-clear view of the issue and optimal solution. Though the clouds may eventually clear, it might not be soon enough for those whose lives could have been improved by faster action.

Check out It’s About Time for some “timely” health care stories!

Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]