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We’re revamping our Making Rounds column, where we feature experts in the healthcare industry and highlight what they do, the challenges and misconceptions they face, and the parts of their jobs that bring them the most joy.
We spoke with Robert Andrews, CEO of the Health Transformation Alliance (HTA), a group of healthcare organizations working to provide better healthcare experiences for employees and their families. Before starting HTA, Andrews served as a member of the New Jersey House of Representatives for almost 25 years.
“Put simply, we’re all working together to do one thing: fix our broken healthcare system,” he told us about the company’s goals.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
What’s the best change you’ve made at a place you’ve worked?
At the HTA, we have learned the immense value of saying a polite “no” when a potential partner’s services are not a good fit for our members. By embracing the practice of politely declining partnerships that do not align with our collective goals, we ensure that our valuable resources and efforts are focused on collaborations that have a higher probability of success and a positive impact. While it can be challenging to turn down opportunities, especially when a potential partner presents an appealing solution, we believe it is crucial to assess every opportunity for the greater good of the collective.
What’s the biggest misconception people might have about your job?
One of the most common misconceptions about our work at the HTA is that our sole focus is on saving money for employers. While it’s true that we do strive to achieve cost efficiencies, our primary mission is focused on the people we serve. We are passionately dedicated to driving meaningful change in the healthcare system by focusing on better health outcomes for millions of employees and their families.
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What healthcare trend are you most optimistic about?
The growing emphasis on consumer-centric care signifies a pivotal step toward better healthcare outcomes. When healthcare services are tailored to meet the needs and preferences of the patients, it fosters a stronger sense of engagement and empowerment among individuals. This, in turn, can lead to higher levels of adherence to treatment plans, increased participation in preventive care, and, ultimately, better health outcomes.
As more and more consumers demand convenient healthcare delivery, it can also act as a catalyst for innovation in the industry. Healthcare providers and systems may respond to this demand by adopting and integrating technologies that enhance access to care, such as telemedicine, remote monitoring devices, and digital health platforms. These advancements can break down barriers to access, making healthcare more readily available to a broader population, including those in remote or underserved areas.
What healthcare trend are you least optimistic about?
While the intention behind making pricing information more transparent is noble, there are two key reasons why I am cautious about its impact.
Firstly, the process of obtaining and disseminating accurate and comprehensive price data is taking far too long. The implementation of price transparency initiatives has faced significant challenges, including data collection, standardization, and collaboration between various healthcare stakeholders. As a result, the information made available to consumers might not be as up-to-date or as comprehensive as needed to make fully informed decisions.
Secondly, the publication of price data in the absence of quality data raises concerns about potential unintended consequences. While knowing the price of healthcare services is essential, it is equally vital to consider the quality of care being offered. Relying solely on price data without accompanying information about the quality of services or outcomes may lead patients to make decisions based on cost alone, overlooking critical aspects like provider expertise, treatment effectiveness, and patient safety.