Practice improvement through a sex and gender high-value healthcare model

Abstract The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country yet has worse health outcomes than many other peer nations. There is evidence that healthcare cost distress affects women disproportionately, though reasons are poorly understood. One way clinicians can help combat the epidemic of financial toxicity is through the practice of high-value care, an approach that aims to improve patient health and well-being by reducing the costs of care (e.g., through elimination of unnecessary procedures) and/or by improving patient outcomes. Adopting value-based principles will help clinicians improve the value of care provided while contributing to greater gender equity in healthcare. In addition, branding one’s practice with a sex- and gender-focused approach to care can increase volume of patients and patient satisfaction.