In recent years, healthcare has undergone many important transitions. One of the greatest changes has been the transition from a fee-for-service model to a value-based care model.
Historically, healthcare organizations were paid for the amount of services they performed. This payment model resulted in more tests and procedures ordered, which, in turn, increased our country’s health care costs. However, now our government incentivizes health systems to provide the highest quality of care at the lowest cost possible. This new payment model is called value-based purchasing or value-based care. In this model, providers focus on delivering more coordinated and effective care. Additionally, healthcare organizations track important metrics like patient engagement, population health, and hospital readmissions. At Renown Health, we know that progress on these metrics represents real improvements in our patients’ lives.
Shifting Focus from Illness to Wellness
Healthcare organizations have traditionally viewed a hospital stay as the center of a patient’s wellness journey. At Renown Health, we believe a key part of our job is to help people live well every day. This means we focus not only on treating illness and injury but also on prevention efforts to keep people out of the hospital. For example, our employees help patients hazard-proof their homes to prevent falls, as falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. We also provide affordable health screenings to catch disease in its early stages, when it is more treatable.
Renown Health also recognizes that many of the diseases our patients face – from diabetes to cancer – have social and environmental origins. We know that creating a healthier community will have a positive impact on their physical and mental health. Renown Health partners with local organizations to address community-based issues like addiction, pedestrian safety, air and water quality, climate change, and nutrition. Working together, we can lower the number of people who need care and improve the health and wellbeing of our community.
Creating healthier environments and communities will help us prevent disease, which in turn will help us decrease spending and improve health. Most importantly, it will help people live up to their full potential.
Dr. Slonim on Twitter | @RenownCEOTonyMD
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While viruses can attack year-round, colds, flus and other respiratory illnesses are typically more prevalent during fall and winter. People spend more time indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air can also affect the respiratory system, making it more susceptible to germs. According to the CDC, flu activity in the U.S. often begins to increase in October and peaks between December and February. “Flu season” can last as late as May.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States. We spoke with Renown Health experts and local domestic violence prevention organizations who gave us a deeper look into understanding the warning signs of abuse and the many proactive and reactive resources in our community that you can reach out to today.
Ick, Ticks! 3 Ways to Protect Yourself This Season
While Lyme disease remains rare in Northern Nevada, public health officials continue to monitor cases and raise awareness during peak tick season. In Washoe County, confirmed cases have stayed low over the past two decades, but experts believe the true number may be higher due to underreporting. Ongoing efforts—including tick surveillance programs and free tick ID services—aim to help residents stay informed and protected. Health experts also urge caution when traveling to areas where Lyme disease is more common, especially during spring and summer.
