It is the best of time in the worst of places. If you're going to get sick and require medical care, find comfort that you live in Houston, highly respected for the quality and amount of healthcare available. However, if you get sick and require medical care in Houston, you have to hope that you are among the few that are able to afford that care.
Digital health care provider Medbelle conducted a study finding Houston the ninth best "hospital city" in the United States. The assessment was based on health care infrastructure, quality of health care, and access to health care. Boston was top in the U.S., Dallas the only other Texas city to get so much as a nod on the list, coming in at number 13. The best hospital city in the world is Tokyo, Japan. Houston has more than 85 hospitals and ranked more than 94.92 out of 100.
Houston ranks in next to last place in the United States of America in "access to health care," 48.83 out of 100. Medbelle Kolb, Managing Director of Maedbelle, summarizes that while Houston enjoys one of the best medical infrastructures in the world, a relatively small percentage of people in the region are able to take advantage of it.
It's great to have the Texas Medical Center, but the fact that so few people living in Houston are able to benefit from living in proximity to world class care speaks to a systemic failure in the healthcare system.
On September 13, 2023 the Houston Healthcare Conference, billing itself as "value-based care, the evolving deliver model, healthcare facilities of the future, meeting demand for MOB's, and Ambulatory Care Centers, will be held at the Marriott Marquis Houston beginning at 8. The registration fee to attend the conference is $350. Among the speakers are Yasmene McDaniel, CEO HCA Healthcare; Smaeil Porsa, President and CEO, Harris Health System; Issac Middleton, Chief Operation Officer Texas Medical Center; Scott Ulrich, Vice President Finance, Houston Methodist Hospital; R. Ryan Walsh, Chief Medical Information Officer, Memorial Hermann; and many, many otheres.
What follows is a copy/past of information from the website promoting the event, intended for informational purposes only:
Marriott Marquis Houston
1777 Walker St
Houston, TX 77010
Ballroom: Salon A-D - 4th floor
Parking Information:
• Discounted Event Self-Parking Rate Of $18.00 Per Vehicle (Standard Overnight Parking Rates Apply)
• Discounted Valet Parking Rate Of $36.00 Per Vehicle (For Up To 6-Hours; Standard Valet Parking Rates Apply For vehicles Parked 6+ Hours)
• Avenida Central Garage
o Located at 1002 Avenida de las Americas, along Discovery Green, Avenida Central is an underground garage with easy access to Avenida Plaza and Discovery Green.
• 2-4 hours: $20.00
• 4-6 hours: $25.00
• Daily Max: $35.00
• 1603 Rusk St Parking
Outdoor parking behind the hotel. Rates vary based on events in the surrounding area. Minimum rate is $7.00/day.
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM
9:45 AM
Patient-Centered Care: Trends Shaping Industry Decision Making
The latest trends in patient-centered care and how they are influencing decision-making processes in the healthcare industry. Gain valuable insights into delivering exceptional patient experiences while meeting evolving healthcare needs from Houston's top healthcare leaders.
9:45 AM
10:30 AM
Developing and Investing in Healthcare Facilities: Risks, Returns, and Opportunities
The risks, returns, and lucrative opportunities in healthcare real estate investment. Industry experts will share their experiences and strategies for maximizing returns while navigating the unique dynamics of the healthcare real estate market.
10:30 AM
10:45 AM
Networking Break
10:45 AM
11:30 AM
The Impact of Technology on Healthcare: How Digitalization Is Changing the Landscape
Technological advancements reshaping the healthcare real estate landscape. Discover the impact of digitalization, telemedicine, smart buildings, and other innovative technologies on the design, operations, and patient experience within healthcare facilities.
11:30 AM
12:15 PM
Revitalizing Healthcare Facilities: Strategies for Renovating, Updating, and Repositioning Properties
Uncover effective strategies for revitalizing healthcare facilities to meet the changing demands of patients and providers. Explore renovation, modernization, and repositioning approaches that enhance the functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics of healthcare properties.
12:15 PM
1:15 PM
Lunch and Networking
1:15 PM
2:00 PM
Adapting to Changing Regulatory Standards: Navigating Healthcare Facility Design Compliance
A comprehensive overview of recent and anticipated changes in healthcare regulations and standards impacting facility design, and the challenges they pose for architects, designers, and healthcare administrators.
2:00 PM
2:45 PM
The Future of Healthcare Delivery: How Real Estate Will Shape the Next Generation of Healthcare in Houston
The future of healthcare delivery and the transformative role of real estate in shaping the next generation of healthcare in Houston. Understanding the emerging trends, technologies, and innovative design concepts that will drive healthcare forward.
2:45 PM
3:00 PM
Closing Networking
photo: Getty Images