A framework for the frontline: How hospitalists can improve healthcare value

As healthcare costs continue to grow, hospitalists may be able to help patients and health system administrators make decisions that generate higher-value care. In this article, we discuss 3 ways hospitalists can contribute to the mission of delivering value-based healthcare: design innovative strategies to coordinate care, advocate for appropriate utilization of tests and treatments, and lead local value-improvement initiatives. We also describe specific tools hospitalists can use in their daily practice, including the Choosing Wisely lists and the COST (Culture, Oversight, Systems Change, Training) framework for value-improvement initiatives.