What can we learn from the Caresync story?

As an entrepreneur trying to innovate in the healthcare market, I have a soft spot in my heart for others taking on the challenges of changing what may be the most regulated, conservative, bureaucratic and risk averse market in the American economy. The point of this article is not to take any pleasure in the failure of another’s attempt at innovation in this tough space. In fact, I deeply respect the effort Caresync, and many others that met the same fate in this industry, have made to improve our health system by lowering costs. But the silver lining of any failure is the learning that it grants us, which has made me ask the question, What can we learn from the Caresync story?

Bundled payments are one of the hot topics in the health care industry, and have been for some time. But now there’s evidence that doctors are finally ready to implement them – and that these models underscore clinical success, as well.

At its core, health care is – or should be – about the patient. Yet many providers’ reimbursement models are based not on quality of care, but type and quantity. The renewed focus on treatment outcomes means bundled payments are finally beginning to see an increase in adoption, if not yet fully replacing fee-for-service models. Consultancy Strategy& conducted research into bundles’ rise and found that, across the board, physicians are ready to embrace them going forward.