7 P’s of Healthcare

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Over the last century, healthcare has evolved from a direct relationship between patient and provider into one of the most complex systems in modern society. In 1905, a patient might have seen their doctor at home. There were no copays, prior authorizations, or billing departments—just care, compassion, and clinical judgment.

Today, however, healthcare has expanded into a labyrinth of systems, structures, and stakeholders. It’s no longer just about diagnosis and healing. It’s about navigating networks, interpreting benefits, justifying decisions, and maximizing reimbursements.

I believe it’s time to demystify the complexity and return to the purpose of care. To that end, I introduce the 7 P’s of Healthcare—a framework for understanding the expansive landscape of modern medicine:

The 7 P’s of Healthcare:

1. Patient – The cornerstone of the system and the reason for its existence.

2. People – All the caregivers and support staff who deliver daily compassion: nurses, medical assistants, technicians, and administrative teams.

3. Product – The true output of healthcare: high-quality outcomes, trust, and improved lives.

4. Promotion – The stories we tell, the trust we build, and the branding that connects systems to communities.

5. Provider – The clinical experts—MDs, NPs, PAs—tasked with decision-making under the weight of regulation and responsibility.

6. Profit – A necessary factor, but one that must follow purpose—not the other way around.

7. Payer – The insurers and government agencies that hold the financial keys to care access and coverage.

Together, these forces have created both progress and paralysis. We now have access to incredible innovations, yet healthcare remains a leading cause of stress and confusion for patients and professionals alike.

A System Out of Balance

Despite spending over 17.3% of our GDP on healthcare—more than any other nation—the U.S. ranks below average in health outcomes compared to peer countries. Nations like Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia spend closer to 11–12% of GDP and consistently outperform the U.S. in areas like life expectancy, equity, and patient satisfaction.

The issue is not a lack of investment. It’s a lack of alignment.

So, what can we do?

I believe real change starts not only in legislation or boardrooms—but in the micro-decisions of daily leadership. Whether you are a clinical leader, a policy advocate, a hospital executive, or a lifelong learner, you have the power to make healthcare simpler, better, and more human.

A Challenge for Us All

• If you’re a consumer of care, grow in health literacy—understand your insurance, ask questions, and take preventive care seriously.

• If you’re a provider or administrator, find one way to streamline your workflow, reduce duplication, or enhance patient communication this quarter.

• If you’re in leadership, ask boldly: Are we helping people, or just managing process?

Healthcare is not about charts or codes.

It is about people.

It is about purpose.

It is about possibility.

Best wishes,

Lana Bamiro, DrPH, FACHE