Kyle J. Russell| Contributor
The modern healthcare system faces challenges that hinder it from serving patients effectively. It is burdened by four critical flaws: an episodic care model, a reactive approach to health, a one-size-fits-all standard of treatment, and a siloed approach. Dr. Patrick Yassini, the founder of Peak Health Group, an integrative health practice based in Coronado, California, believes that only by addressing these challenges can a system that improves access to care, enhances quality, and reduces costs be created.
Over his years of experience, Dr. Yassini has recognized that one of the major flaws in today’s healthcare systems is that care is delivered in episodes. It is segmented into isolated events—a visit to a primary care physician, a trip to the emergency room, or a scheduled procedure with a specialist. Patients fall into what Dr. Yassini calls a “black hole” of neglect, where patients are not actively monitored. Early indications of illness are often missed until something, such as a symptom, triggers an ‘episode.’ In this black hole of neglect, most acute conditions begin, or chronic issues progress. A continuous care model—powered by advances in technology such as wearable devices and telemedicine—could bridge the gaps.
Another issue is that the healthcare system is predominantly reactive. People usually don’t interact with the healthcare system until they experience a problem. The result? Delayed intervention. This approach also prioritizes addressing immediate symptoms and often overlooks whole-body wellness or preventing future health problems.
This reactive model stems from the historical development of Western medicine, which has excelled at addressing acute conditions like infections, injuries, and emergencies. It fails to consider that chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, can oftentimes be prevented through lifestyle changes and regular monitoring. Dr. Yassini advocates for a more proactive healthcare model that includes continuous monitoring between episodes, alerting patients of early changes in their physiology that may precede illness, worsening chronic conditions, or symptoms prompting the next episode.
The third critical issue in the current healthcare paradigm is the generalized, population-based approach to treatment. Healthcare protocols use averages derived from clinical studies, assuming that what works for the majority will work for everyone. It overlooks individual differences, which include genetics, lifestyle, and medical history. For example, a “normal” blood pressure reading for one person may not reflect another’s baseline, especially if their genetics or lifestyle differ. This cookie-cutter approach can result in overutilization, increased suffering, unnecessary treatment, and astronomic expenses. Dr. Yassini stresses that patients are not their diagnoses but are individuals with unique needs that must be addressed through personalized care.
The one-size-fits-all standard of treatment introduces another issue in the healthcare system: a limited perspective on treatment options. Once a patient is categorized through the lens of a population-based approach, they’re funneled into a singular treatment pathway typically characterized by Western medicine. This siloed approach creates a finite toolbox for clinicians and patients, limiting innovation and tailored care opportunities. “No single healing modality can provide all the tools necessary to care for a whole individual,” Dr. Yassini remarks. “What we need is for healthcare systems to work together to deliver integrative, patient-centered care.”
Given this context, it’s significant to note that alternative healthcare modalities like naturopathy, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine are gaining attention. Recently, there has been global recognition of the potential of evidence-based traditional medicine. World leaders formally acknowledged their value at the 2024 G20 Rio Leadership Summit in Brazil. They declared the importance of multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches to healthcare—citing the role of traditional knowledge alongside scientific innovation—in their outcome statement, informed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This recognition is significant. Dr. Yassini believes integrating evidence-based alternative modalities with conventional medicine can offer patients more comprehensive care. For instance, combining Western medicine’s strengths in addressing acute conditions with alternative modalities’ focus on prevention and holistic wellness could provide a balanced approach to healthcare.
The problem is that both Western and alternative healthcare systems operate in silos. Mutual skepticism and a lack of interdisciplinary training reinforce this division. Dr. Yassini observes that practitioners frequently disparage other modalities, creating an environment of mistrust. Meanwhile, patients suffer as a result, facing fragmented care, rising healthcare costs, and declining life expectancy. In fact, life expectancy in the United States has declined to 76.4 years despite being one of the countries with the highest healthcare expenditures globally.
Integrative healthcare involves cross-disciplinary collaboration. Providers from different systems share knowledge and respect each modality’s strengths. Imagine a patient recovering from surgery benefitting from physical therapy, dietary guidance, and acupuncture to promote healing and manage pain. Such a system would improve outcomes and establish mutual respect among practitioners.
Ultimately, to address the issues of episodic care, reactivity, generalized treatment, and siloed approach, the healthcare system of the future must be continuous, proactive, personalized, and integrative. Proactive care would emphasize prevention and encourage patients to adopt healthy lifestyles and catch potential problems early. Meanwhile, continuous care would leverage technology to maintain ongoing connections between patients and providers. Personalized care, on the other hand, would tailor treatments to individual needs to ensure each patient receives the most effective interventions. Lastly, embracing a multidisciplinary approach can expand treatment possibilities and better serve patients’ diverse needs.
Dr. Yassini’s vision of shaping the future of the healthcare system that integrates diverse healthcare modalities into a unified system is groundbreaking. He states, “I see a clear path forward that gives me hope and optimism. We can create a system that truly serves patients and transforms lives by reducing costs, improving quality, enhancing access, and increasing longevity.”
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
