Population Health Management

Alvin C. Tanicala, MHA, RHIT

Population Health Management (PHM) involves a set of strategies, approaches, and activities meant to improve the health of a specific population. A range of elements can explain the population in question, for instance, geographic territory, population makeup, or illness condition.

PHM is committed to supporting the health of the healthy population with preventative care, and to limit the ongoing decline of health in those with chronic conditions, ultimately reducing costs.

PHM's extensive approach to healthcare includes advocating for preventive medicine and early intervention for achieving the best possible health outcomes. This range of healthcare services encompasses primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and community-based services.

The Institute for Health Technology Transformation (IHTT) reported that PHM's main purpose is to protect the health of a patient population as much as possible, and lessen the need for expensive interventions such as tests, emergency department visits, hospital stays, and procedures.

Key elements of PHM include:

1. Data analysis: PHM relies on the analysis of population-level data to identify health trends, risk factors, and areas for intervention. This may involve collecting data from electronic health records, claims data, and public health sources.
2. Risk stratification: PHM involves categorizing individuals within a population based on their risk of developing certain health conditions. This allows for targeted interventions to prevent or manage these conditions.
3. Care coordination: PHM emphasizes the importance of coordinating care across different providers and settings to ensure that individuals receive the right care at the right time. This may involve the use of care teams or care managers to help patients navigate the healthcare system.
4. Patient engagement: PHM recognizes the importance of engaging patients in their own care. This may involve providing education, support, and tools to help patients manage their health and make informed decisions. Outcome measurement: PHM involves tracking and measuring health outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement.

PHM works to promote better health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs through a proactive, population-based approach to healthcare. More and more healthcare organizations, payers, and policymakers are turning to it as a method of increasing the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.