Sarah Ahmad, MBA, CEO of Coalition for Quality and Affordable Health Care (CAQH)joined The American Journal of Managed Care® to discuss the financial and health impacts of neglecting women’s health, particularly in the context of menopause. In her recent presentation at the CAQH Connect meeting, she highlighted the costs associated with these gaps in care for diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems. His ideas emphasize the financial, physical and emotional costs of inaction, emphasizing the need for systemic change in health care delivery and education.
Sarah Ahmad, MBA, CEO, Coalition for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH)
The double cost of negligence
Ahmad draws attention to the “two sides of the healthcare coin”: financial and personal. Financially, untreated perimenopause and menopause can lead to excessive or unnecessary examinations, as well as an increased risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. These costs mirror those of untreated chronic diseases like diabetes, highlighting the importance of proactive care.
However, the personal consequences of ignoring menopausal symptoms are even more serious. “The cost of doing nothing is not just financial; it’s also about the impact on a woman’s quality of life,” she explained. “This cost, for me, is more important than the financial cost. not getting the help she needs, and the cost to your overall quality of life, to me, is the most important.
Taking advantage of preventative care
Preventative care, including screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, is a cornerstone of health care. Ahmad emphasized that menopause can serve as an entry point to broader preventative discussions. “A woman may come in for night sweats, but this is an opportunity to talk about other screenings she might need,” she noted.
However, health knowledge remains an obstacle. Many patients, especially those from underserved communities, lack the knowledge to meet their health care needs. Ahmad highlighted the critical role of clinicians in filling this gap.
“Not everyone is at the same level of health education and awareness,” she said. “And we need to look to clinicians to help us in those moments, to talk about the other aspects of preventive care and care that someone might not know about and use that as an educational moment.”
Social determinants of health
Social determinants of health (SDOH), such as education and socioeconomic status, significantly influence women’s health outcomes. Ahmad reflected on his own misconceptions about hormone therapy, shaped by outdated studies and limited discussion. She advocated for early and comprehensive education, starting in schools, to normalize conversations about menopause and women’s health. “We should educate girls about their entire health journey, from menstruation to menopause,” she said.
Rethinking incentives for women’s health
Ahmad proposed value-based care models to make women’s health a priority. Drawing parallels with bundled payments for maternity care, she envisions a system that supports women throughout their lives.
“Imagine a model of care in which a provider would be incentivized to follow a woman’s health journey from her first gynecological visit through menopause,” Ahmad said.
She also addressed the potential of nurse practitioners and other clinicians to provide holistic care. Ahmad shared his personal experience of a comprehensive visit that addressed his physical and mental health needs in one session. Expanding these models could improve access and outcomes for more women.
To achieve this comprehensive approach to care, Ahmad called for systemic changes in health care policy and delivery. From improving health literacy to restructuring payment models, she emphasized that women’s health is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. By closing these gaps, health systems can not only reduce costs, but also ensure that every woman feels whole and supported.