Intergrating Quality into Utah's Health System Reform

Conclusion

At the heart of Utah’s health care crisis lies a paradox: total spending is out of control, yet 17.4% of the population is uninsured.  Premium increases run triple the rate of inflation, yet quality of care is not keeping pace with the growing complexity of health care delivery systems.  Health system reform is an inherently complex undertaking in that it must simultaneously address access, cost, and quality in order to be successful.  Such a process takes time and patience on the part of all stakeholders—policymakers in particular.  In Utah certain quality initiatives, such as the medical home concept, transparency initiatives, or the adoption and effective use of electronic medical records, will call for an upfront investment.  However, based on the available research and other states’ experience, such investments will pay off in the long run, in the form of significant savings and improved health outcomes for all.