Kelsey Brimmer

The Joint Commission's Annual Report on Quality and Safety 2013, shows that 33 percent -- or 1,099 hospitals -- of all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals that reported accountability measure data for 2012 ranked as top performing hospitals using evidence-based care processes.

Healthcare delivery that stresses value over volume requires a transformed business model, says Marjie Harbrecht, CEO of HealthTeamWorks in Lakewood, Colo. In order to be sustainable, she adds, the business model must adequately incorporate provider compensation, and spur all providers on the care-delivery team to deliver higher value care.

Leading up to next week's Super Tuesday, North Dakota Medical Association Executive Director Courtney Koebele discusses the challenges unique to The Peace Garden State, namely its anti-PPACA amendment, and Medicaid reimbursement issues.