By Lisa English – Yes, the terms “big data” and “analytics” are buzzwords, but they clearly highlight a shift toward data-driven decision-making with a real measurable impact on outcomes in many different industries. Savvy digital marketers now mine your digital breadcrumb trail to offer you more of what you like and attempt to discern what you need before you are aware of it yourself.
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By Susam Vang – If implementing an electronic health record (EHR) is not already challenging for most healthcare organizations, an EHR system design and implementation’s success or failure is greatly dependent on its stakeholders and subject matter experts (SMEs).
By Mark Schneider – According to a survey by Hospital and Health Networks magazine, only 39% of respondents integrate clinical data so it is accessible, searchable, and reportable across the care community. That’s up from 33% in 2014 but far short of the type of connectivity needed to ensure quality patient outcomes.
By Sou Chon Young – Rapidly changing payment methods. Shift from fee-for-service to value-based care. Declining insurance reimbursements. Increased government regulations. Sound familiar? The litany of changes impacting the healthcare industry appears to grow longer every day.
One of the ways that HITECH Answers is different from other media sites is the sense of community. The thought leaders in our community are good about sharing their thoughts on the issues of today. Here are the top read and shared guest posts of April.
By Jerry Ford – The Key to Improving Patient Experience, Enhancing Health Outcomes, and Reducing Cost. According to the CMS National Healthcare Expenditure Projections report, the US healthcare system is the most expensive in the world, making up 17% of the country’s GDP. Projections of 20% by 2020.
By Johanna Legaspi – Hierarchical Condition Categories were mandated in 1997 by CMS and have been the basis for reimbursement for Medicare Advantage plans since 2004. HCCs use data to prospectively estimate predicted costs for enrolled members during the next year of coverage.
By Celeste Daye – Leading healthcare organizations like Mayo Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, and Cleveland Clinic have dubbed 2016 the “year of integration” for revenue cycle. They see consolidating complex revenue systems as the best way to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve the patient experience.
By Don Michaels PhD – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a stated goal of shifting 85% of Medicare fee-for-service reimbursement into value-based models by 2016. Private payers will no doubt follow close behind. Meeting this aggressive goal is causing angst among healthcare providers with much conjecture about what it means for their organizations going forward.