Publications
Publications
- October 2009 (Revised January 2010)
- HBS Case Collection
The Joslin Diabetes Center
By: Michael E. Porter, Elizabeth Olmsted Teisberg and Scott Wallace
Abstract
The Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Massachusetts is a leading center for diabetes care, clinician training, and research. The incidence of diabetes is rising precipitously worldwide, challenging quality of life with its complications and rapidly accelerating health care expenditures for employers and governments. The Joslin's multispecialty, team-based care and patient education programs provide opportunities to examine integrated practice units, early-stage and preventive care, and clinical coordination along the full care cycle. The focus on diabetes also enables discussion of what services need to be included in integrated practice units serving patients with complex, chronic diseases. However, despite its renown, the Joslin's clinical operations lose money, raising the challenge of how to align financial success and clinical success in health care delivery. The case can be used to teach strategy in health care delivery, value creation, outcome measurement, reimbursement, and strategic alliances.
Keywords
Integration; Service Delivery; Medical Specialties; Health Care and Treatment; Outcome or Result; Corporate Finance; Health Industry; Boston
Citation
Porter, Michael E., Elizabeth Olmsted Teisberg, and Scott Wallace. "The Joslin Diabetes Center." Harvard Business School Case 710-424, October 2009. (Revised January 2010.)