Higher Thinking

Quick, timely blog posts. Thought-provoking trends. How-to guides and in-depth case studies. Use this page to explore all of our best thinking on US healthcare delivery, plus the occasional news from our firm. Find something that inspires or troubles you? Contact us any time – we’d love to be your thought partner in delivering more accessible, sustainable, and equitable healthcare. >>

Guides
abstract lighthouse watercolor
October 10, 2023

Ascendient’s Guide to the Maryland Model and the Path AHEAD

Maryland's experiment with Total Cost of Care offers a glimpse of the future for states considering the new AHEAD model from CMS.
Healthcare Horizons
An abstract watercolor painting of the sun is the symbol of Ascendient's Healthcare Horizons series, including this installment on health equity strategy
May 18, 2023

Disruption Alert: Mayo’s Hospital at Home Program

Mayo Clinic's innovative, hub-and-spoke hospital at home program offers encouraging clinical and financial results – plus the potential for large-scale industry disruption.
Healthcare Horizons
An abstract watercolor painting of the sun is the symbol of Ascendient's Healthcare Horizons series, including this installment on health equity strategy
March 29, 2023

Rural Telehealth: Re-Thinking the Timeline

Rural telehealth can seem like a distant dream due to broadband access issues, but the future is here today if you simply look up.
Videos
McLeod Health CEO Donna Isgett discusses her experience with Ascendient's Healthytown model for strategic planning
October 9, 2022

Healthcare Transformation Consulting: A CEO Testimonial

Donna Isgett, CEO of McLeod Health, discusses the growing momentum of healthcare transformation...
Case Studies
July 19, 2022

Steering Two Competing Systems Toward a Population Health Center

In one rural market, we created a blueprint for cooperation rather than unsustainable competition between failing providers.
Blog Posts
A nighttime view into a dimly lit pharmacy
May 6, 2022

Debating the Role of Pharmacy in Healthcare Transformation

Thanks to their ubiquity and familiarity, pharmacies can play an important role in healthcare transformation – if policymakers allow them to.
Blog Posts
An IV bag is isolated on a blue background. Because we can't determine the location, the photo illustrates the versatility of Hospital at Home programs.
November 8, 2021

Hospital at Home: Answering the $30,000 Question

Covid-19 gave a big boost to Hospital at Home efforts. With higher satisfaction, lower costs, and better outcomes, the trend looks unstoppable.
Blog Posts
An orange sunset lights up a country road and a nearby water tower – a metaphor for the coming darkness in rural healthcare
July 8, 2021

Reconfiguring Rural Healthcare Access

"Saving" hospitals isn't the lone solution for struggling communities. Instead, think about prioritizing services for rural healthcare access.
Firm News
May 10, 2021

Ascendient Healthcare Advisors Adds Three Senior-Level Positions

Meet the managing consultants joining Ascendient as part of the firm's largest-ever expansion.