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Category: Healthcare Industry News
Can Big Data Analytics, Data Governance Restore Joy to Medicine?
Date: September 29th, 2015Source: Health IT AnalyticsTopics: Health IT, Physician Workflow, Data AnalyticsPhysicians who are struggling to muster up the enthusiasm to continue the practice of medicine may not feel like adding a mountain of big data to the mix will do much to help them recapture the joy of patient care. After all, burdensome reporting programs, an inundation of quality metrics, and increased documentation requirements are some of the primary reasons why clinicians are so disgruntled in the first place. But as the healthcare system evolves into a value-based, data-driven care continuum, big data analytics is poised to become the solution to physician dissatisfaction, not its cause. If providers can make meaningful changes to their information governance programs in the present, they will be positioning themselves for success in the very near future.
Read MoreMACRA: New Opportunities For Medicare Providers Through Innovative Payment Systems
Date: September 28th, 2015Source: Health Affairs BlogTopics: PQRS, MACRA, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), Value-Based Care, Healthcare PolicyToday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Request for Information (RFI) to seek public comment related to new provisions in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA): Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), Alternative Payment Models (APMs), and a physician-focused payment model (PFPMs).
Read MorePost-Acute Care Transformation Taking Hold in SNFs
Date: September 28th, 2015Source: HealthLeaders MediaTopics: SNF, Value-Based Care, Hospital Readmissions, Long-Term Care, Accountable CareTransformational change has reached a critical mass in the post-acute sector in general and at skilled nursing facilities in particular, a pair of experts in the field says. "The skilled nursing facility industry has migrated from an industry that was based on residential services to an industry that is based on healthcare services," says Philip Glassanos, vice president for business development at Norwell, MA-based Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group. An ever-increasing number of SNFs nationwide are embracing the shift from fee-for-service medicine to delivering quality care at the lowest possible cost, says Kris Mastrangelo, MBA, president and CEO of Harmony Healthcare International, a post-acute care consultancy based in Topsfield, MA.
Read MoreSurvey Finds Patients Prefer More Digital Healthcare
Date: September 28th, 2015Source: CMIOTopics: HIE, Health IT, Patient EngagementPatients are aware of the gaps in information sharing that make it challenging for them to manage their health, according to results from Surescripts' Connected Care and the Patient Experience survey. “Dangerous voids in health information sharing can easily be solved through the use of digital communications and technology. This survey proves patients take notice and are ready for a change,” said Tom Skelton, Surescripts CEO. “As an industry, we need to come together to connect the nation’s healthcare system -- to enhance the patient experience while improving quality and lowering the cost of care.”
Read MoreReport: More Than 80% of Docs Now Use EHRs
Date: September 18th, 2015Source: Healthcare IT NewsTopics: EHRs, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health ITMore than eight in 10 doctors across the country, or 83%, have adopted electronic healthcare record (EHR) systems, according to a new report from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). Counting only certified EHR adoption, however, that rate goes down to 74%. Also, 51% of doctors are using only basic EHR functionalities, according to ONC.
Read MoreOncology Group Asks Congress to Bolster EHR Interoperability & Eliminate Info Blocking
Date: September 16th, 2015Source: iHealthBeatTopics: HIE, EHRs, Interoperability, Healthcare Policy, Information BlockingOn Tuesday, the American Society for Clinical Oncology released a position statement urging Congress to pass legislation that would strengthen interoperability of electronic health records, Modern Healthcare reports. The statement was released during a Capitol Hill briefing on big data. In the statement, ASCO noted that to achieve a fully interoperable health IT system "all health IT initiatives that utilize big data must have the ability to electronically share clinical information between practitioners."
Read MoreDeloitte Survey: Hospitals & Health Systems Look to Healthcare Analytics But Lack Strategy
Date: September 16th, 2015Source: EHR IntelligenceTopics: Population Health, Value-Based Care, Accountable Care, Data AnalyticsDespite significant interest in leveraging healthcare analytics, few healthcare organizations have the necessary strategy for blending financial, operational, clinical, and other data effectively, according to a recent Deloitte Center for Health Solutions survey. Comprising responses from CIOs, CMIOs, and senior leaders from 50 health systems, the survey also finds healthcare data analytics adoption and spending falling short of industry predictions despite support for leveraging these emerging technologies for value-based care.
Read MoreCMS to Host Call on Medicare Payment Adjustments, PQRS
Date: September 15th, 2015Source: EHR IntelligenceTopics: PQRS, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Provider ReimbursementThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is preparing to update eligible professionals and group practices on its plans for 2017 Medicare payment adjustments in an upcoming Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Provider Call on September 24. The call will focus on the penalties for non-compliance levied against EPs and group practices for falling short of requirements for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program and Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS). CMS applies payment adjustments to Medicare EPs and group practices for their non-participation in these incentive programs during the previous reporting year.
Read MoreSocial, Behavioral Data Must Be Included in EHRs, Nurses Say
Date: September 14th, 2015Source: Health IT AnalyticsTopics: EHRs, Population Health, Primary Care, Behavioral HealthElectronic health records (EHRs) are incomplete and potentially insufficient for use in population health management programs when they are missing social and behavioral data, states the American Academy of Nursing in a new policy brief and call to action. Without collecting data on patient behaviors and the impacts of socioeconomic circumstances on clinical health, providers are operating with an incomplete picture of the challenges patients face outside of the organization’s purview.
Read MoreONC Launches Online Complaint Form for Providers to Report EHR Issues, Data Blocking
Date: September 11th, 2015Source: EHR IntelligenceTopics: HIE, EHRs, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health IT, Interoperability, Healthcare Policy, Information BlockingThe Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has launched a new tool for reporting complaints about certified EHR technology (CEHRT) and health IT. "ONC launched [the form] to address these concerns and be the single point of entry for you to report problems or complaints about your health IT product," said Acting Deputy National Coordinator Jon White, MD. "The new reporting mechanism will help us here at ONC better triage, track, route and respond to your health IT concerns or challenges." ONC has laid out five instances where providers should contact the federal agency, including "health information blocking."
Read MoreRethinking Patient Engagement as “Systems of Engagement” Around Healthcare Consumers
Date: September 9th, 2015Source: Healthcare InformaticsTopics: Health IT, Patient Engagement, Accountable Care, Health PlansAs healthcare providers, health plans, and new entrants into the healthcare competitive marketplace, such as retail pharmacies and non-healthcare-based technology companies, all rush in to try to capture healthcare consumer mindspace at a time of great tumult and change in U.S. healthcare, what strategies must traditional providers—hospitals, medical groups, and integrated health systems—employ in order to thrive in the emerging healthcare landscape?
Read More‘Innovate Or Die?’ Mission-Driven Home Health Providers Choose the Former
Date: September 3rd, 2015Source: Health Affairs BlogTopics: Value-Based Care, Home Health, Accountable CareHome health providers are ready, willing, and able to build the skills and infrastructure necessary to succeed in a value-based purchasing environment. Mr. Marchica should be applauded for his recent post on this Blog that highlights the need for innovation in the home health sector. Yet the image he paints of an industry staunchly resistant to change conflicts with our experience working with our members at the Visiting Nurses Association of America (VNAA). Many mission-driven home health providers are discovering innovative ways to adapt and provide the highest quality care efficiently.
Read MorePrimary Care Providers View Health IT Use in Positive Light
Date: August 27th, 2015Source: EHR IntelligenceTopics: EHRs, Health ITPrimary care providers view health IT use as a welcome addition to delivering high-quality, but remain skeptical of the benefits of accountable care organizations (ACOs) in the provisioning of high-quality, according to new research published by the Commonwealth Fund in collaboration with the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Of the more than 1,600 physicians surveyed, exactly half (50%) view the impact if increased use of health IT as positive, compared to 28 percent who deemed its impact to be negative.
Read MoreFour People You Need For an Easy EHR Transition
Date: August 25th, 2015Source: Healthcare IT NewsTopics: EHRs, Meaningful Use, Physician WorkflowFacing a new electronic health record (EHR) implementation is like facing the boogeyman of the health IT world. Transition to a new system can be a nightmare. There's staff resistance, technical difficulties, disrupted workflow and a steep learning curve. But as technology advances, transition from one EHR system to the next is sometimes a necessity. A 2014 survey showed 67% of physicians do not like the functionality of their current EHR systems. But an effective EHR is key to increasing efficiency and reducing costs. For many hospitals, health systems and practices, it may be time to switch to a better system.
Read More“Doc Fix” to Change How Physicians Are Paid; Meaningful Use Continues to Play an Essential Role
Date: August 25th, 2015Source: MD NewsTopics: Meaningful Use, PQRS, MACRA, Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)As the sea change of government initiatives transforming healthcare continues, another high-impact piece of legislation became law this spring. President Obama signed the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), which introduces an entirely new method of paying for healthcare services. Known as the “Doc Fix,” the law takes effect in 2019, but the path forward really begins in 2015. The new Medicare reimbursement system is based on the quality of clinical outcomes. It establishes a 0.5% reimbursement increase beginning in 2015 and running through 2019. Value-based payments also begin in 2019. The new program will combine three existing quality incentive programs, reshuffling them into four performance categories that will determine provider payments.
Read MoreA New Model to Track Growing Patient and Consumer Engagement Adoption
Date: August 18th, 2015Source: Healthcare InformaticsTopics: Health IT, Patient EngagementIn July, leaders at Scottsdale Institute (SI) announced the creation of the SI Patient/Consumer Engagement Adoption Model™. The SI Patient/Consumer Engagement Adoption Model “is an assessment tool and adoption model to help U.S. healthcare systems measure effectiveness in engaging patients and consumers in managing their own health and wellness." SI said they developed the model in response to the growing demand and necessity for patients and consumers to participate in their own care.
Read MoreHow Big Data is Driving the Consumerization of Healthcare
Date: August 14th, 2015Source: U.S. News & World ReportTopics: Mobile Health, Patient Engagement, Digital Health, Data AnalyticsBig data can help physicians understand patient behavior, which in turn impacts care delivery and their practice. Doctors in 2015 have a unique advantage in that their patients actively monitor their health with mobile apps, wearable devices and social media. People keep a closer eye on their workouts, caloric intake, sleep patterns and vitals than ever before, creating a resource that could only exist in the digital age. However, very few mobile and wearable apps can be accessed by both the doctor and patient. The healthcare industry's next step in mobility involves making that connection between physicians and patients so that each party benefits from the amount of available data.
Read MoreDenver-based Dispatch Health Hopes to be 'Uber for Healthcare'
Date: August 12th, 2015Source: 7News Denver (KMGH)Topics: HIE, Mobile Health, Emergency ServicesA Denver-based company hopes to be the next "Uber for health care," providing a doctor on your doorstep instead of a costly trip to the hospital. For two years, Dispatch Health has worked with local fire departments when people call 911, but starting Monday, the company is expanding its services to a fleet of private vehicles staffed with doctors and nurse practitioners. Dispatch Health, previously known as True North Health Navigation, is a current CORHIO HIE participant. Their medical practitioners access the HIE from wireless enabled iPads.
Read MorePhysician Quality Reporting Adds Extra Compliance for Hospitals
Date: August 10th, 2015Source: Healthcare Finance NewsTopics: PQRS, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Value-Based CareWith new quality ratings programs making hospitals more on the hook than ever for their physicians' performance, experts say managers will have to think beyond the traditional hospital walls to avoid costly ratings. The Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) incentive payment adjustments begin in 2015, which means provider organizations are due to start reporting on specific quality measures. Through PQRS, providers can assess the quality of care and quantify how often they are meeting a particular quality metric. Using the CMS feedback report, they can also compare their performance against their peers.
Read MoreHow to Tackle America’s Physician Shortage
Date: August 10th, 2015Source: FORTUNE MagazineTopics: Value-Based Care, Healthcare Policy, Primary CareSince the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010, 16.4 million Americans have entered the healthcare system. This record number of insured individuals applies tremendous pressure on an already stretched system, but it also creates opportunities for innovation. The population of newly insured patients includes many who are living close to the poverty line. The rate of low-wealth Americans who are now insured increased by 13% while a Gallup poll found that low-wealth Americans were more likely to struggle with chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, depression, and high blood pressure.
Read MoreED Physician Work Group Outlines Recommendations for National HIE
Date: August 10th, 2015Source: iHealthBeatTopics: HIE, Emergency Services, Patient CareHealth data exchange can provide more complete patient records to emergency physicians, but changes are needed to enable a national health information exchange, according to a paper published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, FierceHealthIT reports. The paper included suggestions by an American College of Emergency Physicians work group (Hall, FierceHealthIT, 8/7).
Read MoreWeb-based mHealth Tools Can Drive Patient Engagement, Care Satisfaction
Date: August 10th, 2015Source: FierceMobile HealthcareTopics: Mobile Health, Patient EngagementAccess to online educational content specific to medical issues and Web-based tools that enhance communication between patients and providers can help users gain a deeper understanding of care and boost patient satisfaction, reveals a new Brigham and Women's Hospital study. The use of an online patient-centered toolkit (PCTK) also facilitates patient involvement and input into the plan of care, states the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.
Read MoreReport: Radiology Has The Greatest Need for Image Sharing
Date: August 3rd, 2015Source: HIT ConsultantTopics: HIE, Health IT, Radiology, Image SharingNinety-six percent of providers identified radiology on their list of departments that had the greatest need for image sharing, according to new report by peer60, a smart data software company. The report findings are based on a survey of more than 500 healthcare organizations, the report confirms while radiology departments have the greatest need for image sharing today, there is a growing need to exchange this information across departments and facilities as coordination of care is “now a critical component in the effective practice of medicine.”
Read MoreCerner's Military EHR Contract Expected to Speed March to Interoperability
Date: August 1st, 2015Source: Modern Healthcare (registration may be required to view)Topics: Military Health, InteroperabilityThe U.S. military's giant electronic health-record contract announced last week with a consortium including EHR vendor Cerner Corp. likely will have a major impact on advancing interoperability in health information technology across the entire U.S. healthcare system, experts say. The military's goal is to use its new system to achieve health IT interoperability with thousands of civilian healthcare partners. That's because 60% to 70% of the care provided to the 9.6 million Military Health System beneficiaries—active duty military personnel, retirees and their families—is delivered by providers in the private sector.
Read MoreMaximizing Your EHR: 5 Strategies
Date: July 30th, 2015Source: Physicians PracticeTopics: EHRs, Physician WorkflowThe way in which physicians interact with data as it pertains to patient care has clearly identified the EHR as a critical tool. The statistics speak for themselves — approximately 78 percent of all office-based physicians had an EHR in place as of 2013, according to a 2014 study in Health Affairs. However, this doesn't mean that physicians are satisfied with the EHRs they have; recent studies, including a 2014 report in JAMA Internal Medicine, have shown that even experienced EHR users find decreases in productivity. It becomes critical, then, to find ways to maximize the use of existing EHRs in an effort to improve efficacy for patient care and reduce end-user frustration.
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