TL;DR Imagine healthcare services as API calls. The majority of them go through primary care because it is one of the main entry points of care and because of our extensive scope of services. EMR-based API calls (e.g. prescriptions, labs, etc.) have clearly defined inputs and outputs. These are ripe for automation with protocols and technology. But the magic of primary care lies in ill-defined API calls (e.g. care coordination, continuity of care, community care resources, etc.) that have messy inputs and outputs. To make an impact in primary care through technology, we need to rethink what we consider to be the real challenges.
In every other industry and complex human org structure, the generalists who have the greatest access to information are the respected strategists who rule the field.
PCPs are these strategists. They make the API calls. Their natural place is at the highest level of pay and prestige within medicine.
Love it! An inspirational vision, simply explained for both clinicians and informaticians to understand, find a common perspective, and hopefully together place the patient in the driver's seat.
In every other industry and complex human org structure, the generalists who have the greatest access to information are the respected strategists who rule the field.
PCPs are these strategists. They make the API calls. Their natural place is at the highest level of pay and prestige within medicine.
Yes!! The “primary care is the API of the health system!”
Fascinating viewpoint of APIs. Just a thought I wrote about Z codes(55-65) on the newest ICD 10 spec from CDC adopted by /CMS somewhat paves way in capturing SDOH data discretely first before diagnosing. These are all small steps but closing the gap slowly but surely to make everything absolutely mappable. My article here https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vchiluka_hrsn-zcodes-healthoutcomes-activity-7170098312539271169-FTpI?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios
Love it! Great post, Dave.
Love it! An inspirational vision, simply explained for both clinicians and informaticians to understand, find a common perspective, and hopefully together place the patient in the driver's seat.
<bursts like Koolaid man through Substack wall>
Did someone say healthcare APIs?
Definitely prefer it to "gatekeeper" 😅