Skin in the Game: How Putting Yourself First Today Will Revolutionize Health Care Tomorrow
Wiley, March 2008
Did you ever notice that you always seem to come last in our health care system, with its mega-hospitals, giant pharmaceutical companies. Billion-dollar
insurance providers, and multi-layered government bureaucracy? Well,
you're not alone -- policy makers and citizens groups are constantly
criticizing the state of American health care, and the statistics often
confirm their suspicions. The good news is things are about to change,
and this book will show you how to put yourself first in the health
care system and ensure that you and your family know how to access the
best care possible.
With Skin in the Game,
authors John Hammergren -- Chairman and CEO of McKesson Corporation,
America's oldest and largest health care services company -- and Phil
Harkins -- CEO of Linkage, a global organizational development company
-- give you a comprehensive overview of the history of health care in
America; an explanation of how we arrived at our current crisis; and a
preview of the revolutionary leap in care that's coming as high-tech
productivity and quality transform health care in America.
In
the not too distant future, you will have ready access to information
about doctors, hospitals, and treatment centers so you can make
fact-based choices about where and when to seek care. All of your
medical records will be digitized, available to you and your doctor
anywhere, anytime. Test results will be instantaneous and performed in
a doctor's office, which may be located in a mall or at your local
pharmacy.
Page by page, Skin in the Game explains all of this an more, helping you:
- Understand today's "big picture" health care issues in a historical context
- Recognize how a streamlined health care system will free your doctor to provide the personalized care you desire and your doctor prefers
- Gain new insights into the process of health care delivery and the innovations that will change the way you receive care and manage your health
- Obtain practical advice about how you can get around today's health care roadblocks and locate the best doctors with the best practical techniques and best treatment results
- And much more
hardcover | ISBN: 9780470262788 | Publication Date: March 2008
Reviews:
"John Hammergren is one of America's best CEOs, and his new book, Skin in the Game, makes a strong statement about the serious issue of health care reform. Moreover, he does so with clear thinking, contagious optimism, and a refreshing, pragmatic approach that can be readily understood."
--Mark Hurd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hewlett-Packard Company
"I have believed for a long time that American health care is not in crisis -- rather it is a call to action for leadership. This is is a book with just that message -- well done!"
--Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, University of Southern California; coauthor of Judgment
"John Hammergren's prescription for addressing America's health care crisis
is a clear, well thought-out mandate founded on pragmatism: leverage
existing technology and the free market to cut costs, improve quality,
and put the patient back in charge. Brilliant and achievable!"
--Paul Otellini, Chief Executive Officer, Intel Corporation
"Our nation's health care is everybody's business. John Hammergren and Phil
Harkins showcase the future of the health care industry through candid
interviews, compelling research, and an unwavering commitment to
uncover the truth about what lies ahead."
--Michael Treacy, coauthor of The Discipline of Market Leaders
"As the leader of the nation's largest health care company with ties to all
parts of the complex U.S. health care system, John Hammergren is in a
unique position to describe the challenges we face and what we can do
about them. His book is insightful, challenging, and persuasive, and a
valuable addition to the debate about the future of the critically
irnportant sector that represents one sixth of the U.S. economy."
--David M. Lawrence, MD, MPH Chairman and CEO (retired), Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals
