LAS VEGAS – On Tuesday, June 24, HFMA’s ANI conference will host keynote speaker Steve Case, the former AOL kingpin who is now chairman and chief operating officer of Revolution Health Group, deemed the second largest health property on the Internet as of December 2007.
“Generally I'll be sharing my thoughts about healthcare consumerism and the impact I believe it will have in transforming the industry. Much of what is taking place in healthcare today reminds me of the early days of AOL,” Case said.
Revolution Health has three primary business units – the Revolution Health Network, CarePages and Revolution Health Employer Solutions – and two key affiliates, Extend Health and RediClinic.
“I'm a believer that convenient care can play a meaningful role in the industry. Certainly not as a substitute for one's doctor or the quality care delivered by hospitals,” said Case. “But it is a way to relieve some pressure on the system while providing consumers with more convenience when dealing with everyday illnesses and prevention measures.”
RediClinic is one of the nation’s largest convenient care companies, providing walk-in access for treatment of low-grade ailments as well as illness prevention remedies. Each clinic is staffed by nurse practitioners and the average visit lasts only 15 minutes.
“Right now the industry is in its early stages and it's less about competition amongst clinics and more about getting the business model right and consumer adoption,” Case said. “Like all good things it will take some time, but by providing quality care and consumer convenience I believe convenient care has a place in the industry going forward.”
“At Revolution Health we're much more focused on the benefits of consumerism. Our belief is that if we can empower consumers with better health information and the tools to take action we have the opportunity to engage them in living healthier,” said Case. “ To me that is the largest hurdle we face as an industry right now. Until we can get consumers to care – and take action – any change within the industry will likely continue to be around the edges.”