Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for the delivery of healthcare. The inventive methods are based on the identification of and the partial or complete removal of waste from the value stream of healthcare delivery for a range of clinical services. Evidence-based medicine and/or cost accounting methodologies may be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The inventive methods bring together a number of parties (e.g., payor, provider and employer) to achieve improvement goals as well as optimization of healthcare delivery from all perspectives, as opposed to doing so at the expense of one or more parties.