Organized systems of care. A vision of a future healthcare delivery system.

Policymakers no longer question that healthcare system reform will occur; rather they differ on the timing and direction of change. The Washington Business Group on Health envisions a future healthcare delivery system called an organized system of care (OSC). An OSC is an integrated financing and delivery system that uses a panel of providers selected on the basis of quality and cost management criteria to furnish members with comprehensive healthcare services. The most important system attribute of the OSC will be the commitment of all involved to the mission of promoting the health of system members. To accomplish this mission, OSCs will incorporate the principles of continuous quality improvement. Care will be delivered through care management teams, which integrate the physical, psychological, and administrative needs of the member. Such teams might be made up of primary care physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals. Although the entire team would be responsible for the OSC member, one team member would be assigned primary responsibility for overseeing and planning care with the member.