What is Population Health Management anyway?

In thinking about my last entry on recommendations, I've gotten to thinking a little more deeply about the broader term Population Health.  Population Health is a term that has been used increasingly since the passage of the Affordable Care Act.  But what does it mean?

In a 2013 report from Academy Health-- the lobbying arm of Health Services researchers, they share an interesting conundrum:

The phrase “population health” is increasingly used by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in health care, public health, and other fields. Although their understanding of this phrase differs, many see attention to population health as a potent opportunity for health care delivery systems, public health agencies, community-based organizations, and many other entities to work together to improve health outcomes in the communities they serve.

So we don't agree on exactly what it means, but it represents a great opportunity!  As insane as this sounds, I know exactly what they mean.

Regardless of…