Improving care for high-need, high-cost patients

A new generation of payment and delivery system reforms are aimed squarely at enhancing the value of U.S. health care. Much focus has been on a subset of the population referred to as high-need, high-cost patients. These patients are defined as adults who have three or more chronic diseases and functional limitations in their ability to care for themselves or perform routine daily tasks. High-need patients account for a disproportionate share of the nation’s disease and health care spending.

Hospitals and health systems are leading interventions to address these patients’ needs. Improving care for high-need, high-cost patients is aligned with the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) work in population health. This work is guided by the AHA’s Path Forward and its commitment to Advancing Health in America, which includes access, value, partners, well-being and coordination.