The U.S. Health System Should Focus On Pre-Acute Care, Not Post-Acute

The U.S. health system allocates substantial resources to post-acute care, but a shift towards pre-acute care could prove more cost-effective and beneficial for patients. Medicare's hefty expenditure on post-discharge services, coupled with avoidable hospital admissions, highlights the need for preventive measures. Addressing chronic conditions through regular monitoring and adjustments in medication could mitigate hospitalizations. Accessible primary care, improved patient communication, and better care coordination among healthcare providers are pivotal in averting unnecessary hospital stays. Additionally, addressing social determinants of health like housing and nutrition could significantly reduce medical expenses. Prioritizing preventive care over reactive post-acute interventions holds promise for enhancing healthcare outcomes and curbing costs.