Dr. Leana Wen asks Senator John Isakson (R-GA) about how Congress plans to respond to emerging health crises, such as the Zika Virus and the opioid epidemic, during a panel discussion at Better Together Health.

By: Jennifer Aufill

Being an “accountable” physician is a difficult term to define. It implies a willingness to extend health beyond the immediate clinical situation by also focusing on patient wellness. Patients hear so much about preventative medicine in doctor’s office posters reminding them to wash their hands, trifold brochures about exercise, and handouts expounding the benefits of a good diet, but these are often not the focus of clinical practice, which tends to be curative rather than holistic.

Last Thursday, Dr. Wen leant her voice to the Council of Accountable Physician Practices (CAPP) Better Together 2016 series, titled “Patient Expectations and the Accountability Gap.” In a town hall-style meeting, Dr. Wen joined federal officials, physicians, patient advocates, policy experts, and public health leaders to discuss patient-centered care and shared how Baltimore promotes accountability, coordination, and physician leadership to create positive health outcomes and improve patient experiences.

The goal of the series is to figure out ways we can re-center the healthcare conversation on physicians and patients. Six years since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, there is an incredible opportunity to revamp the healthcare system with the goal of care being “high tech and high touch,” which means using technology to help—rather than hinder—communication.

“One of the best ways we can be accountable is organizing and maintaining a healthcare system that is more integrated and responsive to patient needs,” Dr. Wen said Tuesday. “That is why at the Baltimore City Health Department, we work closely with medical groups and health systems to support patients across our city.”

Putting patients at the center of healthcare creates an opportunity to increase quality while moderating costs.