“THE CHOSEN ONE”

The internet is buzzing after the Big Three (Big Three meaning Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan) announced the new leader for their health initiative: Dr. Atul Gawande, a Harvard surgeon and staff writer for The New Yorker magazine, who comes to this position with high praise and some reservation.

Dr. Gawande could very well be the chosen one to change healthcare. The three behind the big three – Bezos, Buffet and Dimon – believe he has the essential requirements to move forward with “this challenging and worthwhile endeavor;” expert’s knowledge, a beginner’s mind and a long-term orientation.”

Beyond his vision, Gawande is known to focus on efforts that improve care and medical errors. He’s dedicated his public health career to eliminate wasteful spending – the epidemic that continues to deepen the crack in an already broken system.

In our last expert session, we pulled back the curtain on this major epidemic of unnecessary care, misdiagnosis and expendable treatment. If he can apply his background and goals to tackle this epidemic with Amazon-like accessibility, there could be some meat on these bones.

The biggest hesitation is coming from our industry. Although many companies (like Walmart and British Petroleum) have successfully implemented these strategies to cut the health spend for themselves and their employees, employers are hesitant because there is no mass social proof.

With the entire country watching, Gawande and Amazon can take on healthcare they way Bezos disrupted retail, and no one will be able to look away. Boom – social proof.

The Takeaway

When Benzos started Amazon, he said: “your margin is my opportunity.” The same applies to disrupting the healthcare space. Consumers were being overcharged for goods and he eliminated the “middle man” of fees that jacked up retail prices for shoppers.

When the same tactics are applied to make decisions for procedures and care, Americans will buy in.
Is he the chosen one? Possibly, but only if he can deliver the most critical component. Real choice.

Read the entire article here:  https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/20/health/amazon-berkshire-hathaway-jpmorgan-atul-gawande.html

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