What is Care Coordination and How Does it Impact My Practice?

Coordinating care for patients has the potential to improve their health while reducing costs for a practice. This paper provides an overview of care coordination starting with definitions and a scope of potential impacts. It provides insight into how care coordination relates with newer healthcare models and with quality programs. Planning considerations and a flowchart are presented for the practice executive interested in implementing or improving their coordination efforts. This considers unique patient populations and communities as well as the practice’s goals, strategy, resources, and culture. Finally, methods of valuing a coordination program are suggested. Care coordination will look different across systems as each practice tailors their program to their distinct situations.