Toward a high performance health system: the Commonwealth Fund's new commission.

Continuing its historical role of bridging the worlds of health services research and health policy, the Commonwealth Fund recently established the Commission on a High Performance Health System to stimulate transformation at this critical juncture in U.S. health care. Double-digit increases in health insurance premiums, rising numbers of people without insurance, and unequal access to safe, effective care indicate the strong need for improved health system performance. Through coordinated program components focused on coverage, quality, and efficiency, the commission seeks to forge consensus on policy options and to spread innovation, making high-quality health care accessible and affordable for all Americans.