A Thoughtful Rebirth of Health Care: Lessons From the Pandemic

The Article in Brief

A Thoughtful Rebirth of Health Care: Lessons From the Pandemic

Elena Rosenbaum

Background In this essay, Elena Rosenbaum, MD writes that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many physicians to approach patient care in completely different ways. She believes this is a critical time to refocus and ensure that health care is person-centered, encompasses all modifiable health determinants, and helps individuals achieve health rather than primarily manage disease. This is especially important now that COVID-19 has emphasized the flaws of the current health care system and the health inequities that exist in this country.

What This Study Found Changing the U.S. health care system is daunting, but Rosenbaum is optimistic that the challenges we have faced during the pandemic will help bring about meaningful reform. She writes about the need for a multi-pronged approach that eliminates fee-for-service payment and advocates for universal health care or alternative payment models that allow physicians to address lifestyle, behavior and social determinants of health with their patients. Rosenbaum also recognizes the benefits of telemedicine, which has given doctors a window into patients’ worlds and helped them stay connected to their most vulnerable patients. With the shift in how health care is administered, she believes now is the time for doctors to proactively reduce health disparities by examining and addressing systemic racism in medical care and collaborating with community members, public health experts and governments to break down health silos and bring about meaningful systemic change for our patients.