Netflix did more than just change how we watch movies; it completely rewired our expectations. We now demand instant access, personalized suggestions, and a seamless experience. A similar shift is finally happening in primary care for seniors. Our portfolio company, Complete Health, is applying those same ideas to build a new and better way to deliver healthcare to Medicare patients.
The Old Model is Broken
The problems in primary care are no secret. We have a doctor shortage right as 10,000 Baby Boomers join Medicare every day[28]. The traditional model, which pays doctors for short, 15-minute visits, is financially unsustainable and leads to fragmented, reactive care. Most people see these trends as a problem. We saw them as the perfect conditions for a company willing to start from scratch.The Complete Health Approach: Empowering Doctors with Tech
When we invested in Complete Health in 2018[29], it wasn't just another clinic group. It was a vision for how technology could empower doctors, not replace them. The model is simple:1. Empower the Physician: The tech platform handles the tedious administrative work, freeing up doctors to focus on their patients.
2. Manage the Population: The system tracks outcomes across thousands of patients, allowing for proactive care. Instead of waiting for someone to get sick, they can see who is at risk and step in early.
3. Align the Economics: Complete Health partners with Medicare Advantage plans and gets paid for keeping people healthy, not for ordering more tests. The financial incentives are perfectly aligned with the patient's best interests.
The "Netflix Effect"
Just like Netflix learns what you like to watch, Complete Health uses data to deliver personalized, proactive care. The system analyzes a patient's health data to suggest preventive screenings, automates coordination with specialists, and prompts the care team to reach out before a small problem becomes a trip to the emergency room. By taking on risk, the practice is rewarded for quality, not quantity. This focus on preventive care reduces expensive hospitalizations, which is better for both the patient and the bottom line. It signals a fundamental shift from a system that treats sickness to one that fosters wellness. The future isn't about choosing between technology and the human touch; it's about finding the perfect synthesis of both.References
- Pew Research Center, Baby Boomer retirement statistics, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/baby-boomers-retirement ↩
- Complete Health investment year, https://pharosfunds.com/complete-health.php (2018) ↩
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