Abstract
This is a self-proclaimed “call to action for anyone in this country who pays for health care using the current health-care-purchasing system.” The book's value as a source of information and, more important, as an analysis of the problems and possible solutions for health care financing, is captured in the author's impetus for writing it: “to help health-care purchasers understand the economics of how health care is purchased, especially in the current economic environment.” Get Off the Dime presents a progressive view of the future of health care purchasing and useful tips applicable to today's economic crisis.
Our health care system is fraught with inefficiency and opacity regarding payment, resulting in unfavorable outcomes for all constituents. In Get Off the Dime, the author endeavors to challenge the existing paradigm. Potarazu's straightforward writing style and clear format reflect his appeals to bring transparency and standardization to the currently disparate and largely unorganized health care system. The book includes helpful diagrams that augment Potarazu's already eloquent text, as well as a list that underscores the key concepts at the end of each chapter.
Each chapter features a different aspect of the “health-care-benefits supply chain” that contributes to the inefficiency and exorbitant expense associated with employer-provided health insurance. After discussing the issues, Potarazu offers suggestions for making positive adjustments. For example, chapter 6 addresses how performance can be defined and measured by companies in relation to the health plans they offer to their employees. A lack of consistent metrics to measure quality and efficiency make it nearly impossible for companies to determine how well they optimize their spending on health care benefits. Potarazu provides a set of questions for companies to use when comparing plan options and explains how to interpret the results. Furthermore, he offers several effective approaches to manage some of the costliest aspects of care, including prescription drugs and chronic disease management, from an employer standpoint. Success stories from real companies lend a sense of attainability and prevent chapters from relying only on conjecture and theory.
Get Off the Dime is a handbook for those who want to achieve a real transformation in how health care is purchased. One of its greatest strengths is that it not only outlines the contributing issues, but provides a specific plan for change. “For the HR executives who want to make changes to their health benefits plan design, initiate a wellness program, or add a disease management benefit,” Potarazu offers a blueprint for building a business case based on return on investment. Tips are included in nearly every chapter. Whether the aim is to keep a company from succumbing to spiraling health care costs in a difficult economy or to initiate a movement toward the future, Get Off the Dime is a valuable resource.
Despite the unsustainable cost of health care in America, the government has failed to find a fix thus far. Companies cannot rely solely on legislation to alleviate the financial burden of providing health care to employees. Even if current national reform efforts are successful, it may be too late for some companies. For those who currently make health care purchasing decisions and are unwilling to take chances with the health of their employees or the financial stability of the company, Get off the Dime is a must read.