The Musculoskeletal Summit was the first in a series of summits for the leadership and staff of musculoskeletal healthcare professionals and patient organizations, government officials, insurance, and industry representatives. It was held October 12-13, 2011 at the Washington Court Hotel, Washington, DC. The theme of the summit was "The Value in Musculoskeletal Care."
The cost of musculoskeletal disease in the United States is approaching $1 trillion each year and is likely to increase as the population ages and lifestyles become more active. These increases are occurring at a time of an unprecedented debate on health care and possible redirection of major programs. Since overall health care expenditures in this country continue to rise, the current models for care delivery may not be sustainable, demanding new strategies to optimize health and improve quality of life. To meet the challenges of a changing world and establish priorities for resource allocation in the future, the musculoskeletal health care community must define and measure the value of the care it provides. The United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) views this issue as critical and convened a summit to address value from the perspective of patients, providers, industry and payers among others.
The USBJI engaged a broad range of stakeholders who considered the value in musculoskeletal care. By definition, value represents a standard or feature regarded as desirable or worthwhile. While the value of care involves quality (outcomes) and cost-effectiveness, it transcends both in its impact on patients and on society. Determining value in care demands consideration of societal as well as personal health and well-being that can result from diverse approaches for prevention and treatment. Given the increasing costs of health care and the changing demographics, it is imperative that we focus attention now on the outcomes, cost and cost-effectiveness of musculoskeletal care. The USBJI is committed to a leadership role in improving the health of the nation and making value an important goal of musculoskeletal care in all of its dimensions.
The conference provided an opportunity for leaders in musculoskeletal industry, Members of Congress, and Administration officials to interface on this important topic. We are most grateful to summit co-chairs Dr. Gunnar Andersson, Dr. Steve Gnatz, and Dr. David Pisetsky for putting together an excellent program.
Report on the Summit.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2012 Apr;41(5): 741-4
Handout_PM&R Magazine 2012.pdfSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2012 Apr;41(5): 741-4
2012 USBJI Winter Newsletter with article on the Summit.
The cost of musculoskeletal disease in the United States is approaching $1 trillion each year and is likely to increase as the population ages and lifestyles become more active. These increases are occurring at a time of an unprecedented debate on health care and possible redirection of major programs. Since overall health care expenditures in this country continue to rise, the current models for care delivery may not be sustainable, demanding new strategies to optimize health and improve quality of life. To meet the challenges of a changing world and establish priorities for resource allocation in the future, the musculoskeletal health care community must define and measure the value of the care it provides. The United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) views this issue as critical and convened a summit to address value from the perspective of patients, providers, industry and payers among others.
The USBJI engaged a broad range of stakeholders who considered the value in musculoskeletal care. By definition, value represents a standard or feature regarded as desirable or worthwhile. While the value of care involves quality (outcomes) and cost-effectiveness, it transcends both in its impact on patients and on society. Determining value in care demands consideration of societal as well as personal health and well-being that can result from diverse approaches for prevention and treatment. Given the increasing costs of health care and the changing demographics, it is imperative that we focus attention now on the outcomes, cost and cost-effectiveness of musculoskeletal care. The USBJI is committed to a leadership role in improving the health of the nation and making value an important goal of musculoskeletal care in all of its dimensions.
The conference provided an opportunity for leaders in musculoskeletal industry, Members of Congress, and Administration officials to interface on this important topic. We are most grateful to summit co-chairs Dr. Gunnar Andersson, Dr. Steve Gnatz, and Dr. David Pisetsky for putting together an excellent program.
Report on the Summit.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2012 Apr;41(5): 741-4Handout_PM&R Magazine 2012.pdfSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2012 Apr;41(5): 741-42012 USBJI Winter Newsletter with article on the Summit.