As the pandemic ushered in site-of-care shifts and new care models that were driven out of clinical necessity, care has forever been changed. We are seeing declining inpatient use rates and accelerated shifts to outpatient models, which resulted in increasing innovation in the delivery of care within the home and ambulatory setting. These are just a few reasons ambulatory care has become integral in today’s healthcare landscape and a direct response to economics that are increasingly favoring outpatient care. Due to this, healthcare executives need to develop ambulatory strategies.
Corazon is adamant about creating a robust ambulatory strategy where the outcomes will be improved patient access, enhanced care coordination, and better management of chronic conditions. This better communication and collaboration among healthcare providers leads to more comprehensive and integrated care for patients. By streamlining processes and sharing information effectively, hospitals can ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time.
A well thought out and executed ambulatory strategy can also help lower healthcare costs by shifting some services from inpatient to outpatient settings, this allows hospitals to reduce overhead expenses and improve operational efficiency. From here, it can result in overall cost savings for both the healthcare system and patients, making quality care more affordable and accessible.
Corazon believes that healthcare executives considering implementing ambulatory strategies to gain market share should consider the following:
1. Expansion of outpatient services: Investing in expanding outpatient services such as primary care, specialty consultations, imaging, and lab services can attract more patients and increase market share. Offering convenient and comprehensive services in outpatient settings can help capture a larger portion of the market.
2. Telehealth and virtual care: Implementing telehealth and virtual care services can expand access to care and reach patients who may not be able to visit a physical clinic. Offering virtual consultations, follow-ups, and monitoring can attract tech-savvy patients and differentiate the healthcare organization in the market.
3. Retail clinics and urgent care centers: Establishing retail clinics and urgent care centers in high-traffic locations can attract patients seeking convenient and timely care. These facilities can handle minor illnesses and injuries, providing quick access to healthcare services and capturing market share from competitors.
4. Partnerships with primary care providers and specialists: Collaborating with independent primary care providers and specialists can help healthcare organizations expand their network and offer a broader range of services. By partnering with trusted providers in the community, organizations can attract more patients and increase market share.
5. Focus on patient experience and satisfaction: Emphasizing patient experience and satisfaction can differentiate a healthcare organization in the market. Providing personalized care, convenient appointment scheduling, and efficient communication can attract patients and increase loyalty, ultimately leading to a larger market share.
The Corazon team has assisted many healthcare organizations in understanding market trends and the competitive landscape and can guide an organization’s ambulatory strategic planning and implementation of strategies to gain market share. By implementing these strategies, healthcare executives can position their organizations for growth, attract more patients, and increase market share in a competitive healthcare environment. It is essential to continuously evaluate and adjust in order to meet evolving patient needs and market dynamics.
In today’s world of fast-evolving shifts in care, market consolidation, and the need for optimization, engaging knowledgeable experts who can validate what is going on in the industry and where the market is heading and help navigate this challenging environment is the smart choice. Developing a strong ambulatory strategy is essential for hospitals and health systems looking to enhance patient access, improve care coordination, and lower healthcare costs. By focusing on outpatient services, healthcare organizations can grow market share, decrease costs, and deliver high-quality care more efficiently and effectively. Let Corazon assist in reaching your goals by providing the guidance and advice needed to develop your organization’s successful ambulatory strategies!
