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. >>
Blog Posts
Meet the Team: Patricia Dowbiggin
Our strategy consultant discusses her background in EMS, her burden for rural healthcare ... and her love of the outdoors.
Blog Posts
Total Cost of Care: Lessons from the Maryland Model
A Maryland expert shares her experience with total cost of care as CMS pushes other states to consider the approach.
Blog Posts
Can a New CMS Model Move Healthcare Transformation AHEAD?
Thoughts on the newest CMS model, based on our deep expertise with Maryland's TCOC model.
Guides
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.
Guides
Public Health Strategic Planning: the Ascendient Guide
Where are we? Who are we? Where are we going? Those three questions are the key to public health strategic planning in a time of turmoil.
Blog Posts
Hospital Community Benefit Rules: Changes Ahead
From state capitals to Washington DC, hospitals face mounting pressure to justify their tax exemption. Here are 3 things to do right now.
Guides
Public Health Workforce Strategies: the Ascendient Guide
All of healthcare is facing workforce issues, but public health may have it worst of all. We outline a few strategies, both near- and long term.
Blog Posts
A Supportive Solution for Public Health Burnout
See why better administrative support may be the key to reducing burnout among professional staff in local health departments.
Blog Posts
The Future of Public Health: 5 Questions for the Experts
Two experts from the de Beaumont Foundation share their views on the future public health, based on their landmark study.
Videos
Healthcare Transformation Consulting: A CEO Testimonial
Donna Isgett, CEO of McLeod Health, discusses the growing momentum of healthcare transformation...
Case Studies
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
3 Ways to “Upcycle” Those Unused Inpatient Hospital Rooms
There's likely to be a glut of unused inpatient hospital rooms when REH status picks up steam. Here are 3 ways to put those rooms to use.
Case Studies
Community Health Assessments: Taking a Collective Approach
How a county-wide CHA process helped save money, broaden public participation, and build alignment among providers.
Blog Posts
How a Church-Based Clinic Is Making Primary Care More Accessible
Accessible primary care is a key to population health. Community assets like churches & schools might be the best way to meet the need.
Blog Posts
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
Public Health Strategic Planning: Don’t Skimp on the SWOT
A good SWOT analysis is foundational to public health strategic planning. Here's a step-by-step guide for doing it right.
Blog Posts
Reconfiguring Rural Healthcare Access
"Saving" hospitals isn't the lone solution for struggling communities. Instead, think about prioritizing services for rural healthcare access.
Blog Posts
Mobile Integrated Healthcare: A Valuable Tool for Healthcare Transformation
Bolstered by CMS payment incentives, mobile integrated healthcare is reducing ED visits and improving population health.
Blog Posts
The Maryland Model (Part 3): Lessons Learned from Maryland’s Payment Models
Maryland's experiment with healthcare transformation has been encouraging but not perfect. Here are some of the biggest lessons learned.
Blog Posts
The Maryland Model (Part 2): Understanding How Maryland’s Payment Models Work
In the second of our three-part series, we examine how Maryland’s unique payment models work – and what other states can learn.