Healthcare organizations exist to serve the communities in which they reside. Though community health has always been a focus for these organizations, new regulations require them to take an active role. The health of a community or geographic population has a critical impact on a healthcare organization’s planning, operations, financial sustainability, outcomes and success. Due to the implementation of the key components of the healthcare reform by legislation, it will be even more important that clinical organizations are both aware of and responsive to the health status and disease states that are most prevalent in their communities. Not only is a population-based focus the right thing to do, but it may prove to be the financially astute course of action.
