A “Marathon Sprint”: The New Pace of Healthcare

When I reflect on the changing face of healthcare I can’t help but compare the new pace of healthcare in light of healthcare reform and value based purchasing incentives with that of a “marathon sprint.”

As a long-distance runner, sprinting a marathon is impossible; the pace associated with a sprint – running as fast as one is able – can only be maintained for a short, finite distance. Marathons, on the other hand, require pacing, careful planning, and stamina “for the long haul.” Sure, sprinting can occur at different points during a marathon, but no human being could ever maintain such a blistering pace for 26.2 miles! Read the rest of this entry »