Value from the Patients' and Payers' Perspectives

Health care costs continue to increase, and the approach of countries and insurers is to focus on the value of the care delivered. Value is a function of quality in relation to costs. The perspective of the individual measuring value is important. Calculation of costs may include return to work if the employer's perspective is taken. The patients' perspectives include out-of-pocket expenses and work lost for both patients and potentially caregivers. The authors provide one example in the area of sleep apnea in which the anesthesiologist can provide value uniquely by being part of the team making the diagnosis.