News 9/8/16

Top News

CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt outlines four ways in which providers can participate in MACRA. Here they are in an extremely concise nutshell:

1. Submit some data to the Quality Payment Program, including data from after January 1, 2017, to avoid a negative payment adjustment.
2. Submit data for a reduced number of days starting on or after January 1 to qualify for a qualify for a small, positive payment adjustment.
3. Participate for a full calendar year starting January 1.
4. In lieu of reporting quality data, providers can instead participate in the QPP by joining an Advanced Alternative Payment Model in 2017.

Slavitt hints that more details about the program will be released this fall, and notes that, “However you choose to participate, your feedback will be invaluable to building this program for the long term to achieve outcomes that matter to your patients.”

Webinars

None scheduled soon. Contact Lorre for webinar services. Past webinars are on our HIStalk webinars YouTube channel.

Announcements and Implementations

Allscripts rolls out a patient and physician recruiting service as part of its new Clinical Trials Solutions service line. In addition to working with clinical research and life sciences organizations, Allscripts will work with EPatientFinder and its Clinical Trial Exchange platform to educate end-user physicians about clinical trial options and patient eligibility.

Keystone HIE in central Pennsylvania launches push notifications powered by a partnership with Orion Health and CitiusTech. The Geisinger-founded organization’s new Information Delivery Service can now send alerts, notifications, and patient information via email or Direct to members that include 251 physician practices and 18 hospitals.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

The local business paper profiles the New York-based Greater Buffalo United ACO, an affiliate of the Greater Buffalo United Independent Practice Association and one of the first groups in the state to pilot the ACO model as part of New York’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Program. GBUACO CEO Raul Vazquez, MD is excited about the possibilities. “Now you’ve got a bunch of different entities that all fall into the ACO who have a vested interest in making sure the patient gets the right care at the right time and place,” he said. “It’s a whole different approach and the concept is exciting. It’s giving doctors — and patients — the tools to get the job done.”

People

Behavioral health technology vendor AbilTo names Dorothy Gemmell (Practice Fusion) chief commercial officer, Jason Goodhand (Two Bridges) vice president of product, and Jonathan Stout (Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey) vice president of strategy.

Research and Innovation

A study of 862 providers in private practice finds that just under a quarter are already engaged in some form of concierge, direct pay, or subscription plan payment model, while 46 percent are considering moving to similar strategies within the next three years. Top motivators include wanting to spend more time with patients, reducing interactions with payers, and improving work/life balance. Those looking to alternative payment models are more likely than their conventional counterparts to want the capabilities illustrated above.

A team of German design students create a wearable to help amputees operate a keyboard with their prosthetic hands. Akin to a bracelet, the device captures signals from the hand’s remaining muscles and turns them into movements that translate into moving the cursor, clicking left and right, and scrolling.

Other

First-world problem for lefties like me: A study determines that cell phones have better call quality when held in the right hand, due to the fact that a left hand/left ear combination increases the chance of obstruction between a phone’s antenna and wireless signal. Of the nine phones analyzed, researchers found that the Iphone was worst at transmitting signals, no matter which hand was used.

More offbeat library news: The Papanui Library in New Zealand installs an “ultrasonic teenage deterrent” to prevent adolescents from loitering outside and bothering patrons. The device emits a high-pitched buzzing noise audible only to the under-25 set that can be heard within a 50-foot radius.

Contacts

Jenn,  Mr. H, Lorre, Dr. Jayne, Dr. Gregg

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News 9/7/16

Top News

Apple unveils two versions of the Iphone 7, Watch upgrades, and preps for launch of IOS 10 next week. The company hasn’t added any new bells and whistles related to healthcare (unless you count activity-inducing Pokemon Go being added to the Watch), and yet I’d feel remiss if I didn’t recap the highlights: The 7 Plus, which comes in two sizes, is water- and dust-resistant, comes equipped for wireless headphones in lieu of a headphone jack, and features two rear-facing cameras for different focal lengths. Based on fanboy reaction, it seems that the pricey earbuds will have to be purchased separately. Watch upgrades include water-proofing and faster processing.

In slightly related news, Google discontinues its attempts to build smartphones with interchangeable batteries, cameras, and other parts that would have enabled consumers to upgrade phones bit by bit rather than shelling out big bucks for an entirely new device. I’m sure the Apple overlords are breathing a sigh of relief.

Webinars

None scheduled soon. Contact Lorre for webinar services. Past webinars are on our HIStalk webinars YouTube channel.

Announcements and Implementations

Austin, TX-based EMDs joins the CommonWell Health Alliance.

Independent anesthesiology practice MMC Anesthesia Group signs on with Zotec Partners for RCM technology and support services. The 10-physician practice is based out of Methodist Medical Center in Oakwood, TN.

MDsave and Healthcare Bluebook agree to offer the other’s services, which include appointment booking at pre-negotiated rates, and pricing and quality listings, within their respective online tools.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Aprima reports record double-digit growth in revenue and EBITDA during the first half of 2016, aided by contracts signed with large medical groups and university- and hospital-based practices, three of which were over $1 million each.

People

Culbert Healthcare Solutions hires Nancy Gagliano, MD, MBA (CVS Health) as CMO.

Telemedicine

MarijuanaDoctors.com, which seems to be an aggregator of physicians that offer cannabis-prescribing privileges, launches virtual consults for patients.

Government and Politics

A bipartisan group of congressmen serving on the Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce committees pen a letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell outlining their concerns with MACRA’s proposed start date of January 1, 2017. While the legislators don’t call for a firm delay, they do ask that CMS “consider flexibilities for all practitioners, including small practices, to succeed.” Most industry insiders predict that the final MACRA rule will be issued in late October or early November, giving physicians – especially already overwhelmed independents – little time to get their ducks in a row by the first of the year.

The FTC hosts a half-day workshop on ransomware as part of its fall technology series. While none of the panels focused specifically on healthcare, the industry was represented by Children’s National Health System Director of Information Security Chad Wilson, who spoke on best defense tactics. A video of the sessions will be posted to the FTC website soon.

Other

Time Politics Editor Ryan Beckwith ranks one of today’s favorite buzzwords. The top (and last) choice reminds me of the 1995 movie “Hackers,” which introduced me to the concept of computer hacking, and the acting chops of Jonny Lee Miller.

Following yesterday’s sad statistics related to our nation’s reading habits, I can’t help but mention a public library’s plans to enforce strict new borrowing rules. The library, which is struggling to recoup $200,000 worth of overdue books, plans to issue $100 fines and 30-day jail terms to offenders who ignore late notices issued via text and email.

Sponsor Updates

• Aprima will exhibit at the Arizona State Physicians Association meeting September 15-17 in Scottsdale.
• EClinicalWorks will exhibit at International Vision Expo West September 15-17 in Las Vegas.

Blog Posts

• The 2016 Aprima User Conference: Another Great Meeting in the Books! (Aprima)
• Take Full Advantage of EPCS (AdvancedMD)

Contacts

Jenn,  Mr. H, Lorre, Dr. Jayne, Dr. Gregg

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

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News 9/6/16

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A 430-hour study of 57 physicians working in four ambulatory specialties finds that for every one hour of face time with a patient, two are spent on EHR and administrative work. Nearly a third of study participants who kept after-hours diaries also recorded an extra one to two hours each night documenting in the EHR. Athenahealth CEO Jonathan Bush added his two cents to the study results, pointing out that, “Key measures like after-hours EHR documentation and time spent in face-to-face patient care will help squelch healthcare’s technology problem, bring transparency to the most offensive solutions in the market and, more important, will chip away at care team burnout and dissatisfaction.” He brings up an interesting idea with a slippery slope – grading EHRs based on the amount of time physicians spend in them after-hours. Would physicians already facing burnout be more inclined to purchase an EHR with a record of users that spend little to no time in them after business hours?

HIStalk Practice Announcements and Requests

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Webinars

None scheduled soon. Contact Lorre for webinar services. Past webinars are on our HIStalk webinars YouTube channel.

Announcements and Implementations

Sahali Health Clinic (OR) works with local startup Kannact to offer real-time blood-glucose monitoring and coaching to patients when it opens within the next few weeks. The Portland-based vendor has raised $8.5 million since launching in 2012.

New York City-based nonprofit Fair Health works with the Connecticut Health Foundation to develop FH Cost Lookup CT, a mobile pricing transparency app built to help Connecticut residents better understand medical and dental costs, and to improve overall health literacy. Pricing is derived from Fair Health’s database of over 21 billion claims for privately billed procedures dating back to 2002.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Healthcare staffing firm Cross Country Healthcare, which counts EHR transition staffing among its services, expands its headquarters in Boca Raton, FL to better accommodate 160 office-based staff members. It employs 600 across the city, and 1,000 more in 70 branch offices across the country.

Telemedicine

The ATA goes global, signing a partnership agreement with the Telemedicine Society of India in order to foster telemedicine collaboration between the two countries. Near-term deliverables will include white papers, programs, and projects. Telemedicine has a potentially big role to play in the future of healthcare in India, given that nearly 70 percent of its population lives in remote, rural areas. Analysts predict that the country’s telemedicine market will more than double to $32 million by 2020.

EyeCrave Optics (NY) rolls out vision exams via telemedicine from Smart Vision Labs, which offers a smartphone-based autorefractor for vision testing.

Other

Nonprofit FEMR co-founder and ballet dancer Sarah Draugelis attributes her passion for healthcare technology to her time working in Haitian clinics in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. “[W]e lost a patient to complications from gestational diabetes,” she explains. “When I got back to the States, I learned that there had been another group volunteering in the same village just one month prior. I was devastated. Had we [been] emailed about that patient, my team would have brought insulin with us and saved her life. I knew there needed to be a change in the way these volunteer efforts are done. There needed to be more communication and some level of accountability.” Draugelis brought two colleagues on board to develop and launch the EHR for pop-up clinics in natural-disaster areas in 2014. She counts Epic founder Judy Faulkner as a role model: “I wonder sometimes if she and I are the only two females in the world that run EMR companies.” I’ll let readers weigh in on her assumption.

It’s a sad state of affairs when organizations start touting the fact that their doctors are “patient-centered.”

It’s also sad that one in four Americans haven’t picked up a book – in any format – in the last year. I suppose I should take comfort in the fact that the Pew Research statistic hasn’t gotten worse over the last 12 months, and that, on average, Americans read a dozen books a year. I can’t imagine not having a book within bedside reach at all times. In fact, I just started rereading “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver. My favorite Kingsolver book, however, has to be “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life.” Definitely recommended reading if you find yourself thinking about starting a self-sustaining farm or dipping your toes into the world of paleo cuisine. I’m willing to bet a similarly themed tome by BIDMC CIO and gentleman farmer John Halamka would be well received.

Sponsor Updates

• Versus Technology receives top KLAS rating in eight RTLS categories, including location accuracy.
• Illinois Senator Dick Durbin visits the Intelligent Medical Objects office.

Blog Posts

• What is The Ideal Team Player? (Nordic)

Contacts

Jenn,  Mr. H, Lorre, Dr. Jayne, Dr. Gregg

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

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News 9/1/16

Top News

Sherpaa founder and CEO Jay Parkinson, MD announces the company’s move into consumer-facing telemedicine. The New York City-based business previously catered solely to employer clients like General Assembly, Meetup, and Freelancers Insurance Co. It has raised over $7 million since getting its start in 2012. Parkinson helped co-found practice management company Hello Health, which he left in 2010.

Webinars

None scheduled soon. Contact Lorre for webinar services. Past webinars are on our HIStalk webinars YouTube channel.

Announcements and Implementations

Integrated Radiology Partners, a PM, collaboration, and consulting company headquartered in Milwaukee, announces partnerships with Cambria Somerset/Life Point Hospital System, Empire Health Support Services, and Synergy Health Alliance. 

Central Virginia Family Physicians and Medical Associates of Central Virginia join Privia Medical Group, a business unit of population health and practice management company Privia Health. The Virginia-based practices employ a combined 80 physicians across 15 facilities.

People

Steven Wolinsky, MD (Horizon Blue Cross of New Jersey) joins Zelis Healthcare as CMO.

Telemedicine

The local business paper profiles Carolina Online Health, a South Carolina-based telemedicine company co-founded earlier this year by ED doctor David Circle, MD. “We’re not doing this to get rich,” Circle explains. “We’re doing this because I’ve been a physician for 17 years in the ER, and it’s frustrating to me to see the waste and inefficiency and how inconvenient it is for patients. The truth is that many patients in the ER don’t need to be seen in person. They could be helped through telemedicine without cutting back on the quality of care.”

Other

Coding audits and assessment company Central Learning launches the “Code your way to $5K” 30-day coding contest. Open to coders of all levels of proficiency and experience through September 15, the contest will award prizes in three categories:

• Ambulatory surgery coder with highest average accuracy and productivity scores across 30 outpatient cases.
• Inpatient coder with highest average accuracy and productivity scores across 10 inpatient cases.
• ED coder with highest average accuracy and productivity scores across 30 outpatient cases.

Jazzercise never looked so good: Nick Offerman and First Lady Michelle Obama present a compelling visual presentation on the “The History of Exercise.” (Offerman’s wife, Megan Mullally, even makes a cameo.)

Clear Vue Eye Center (FL) owner Monique Barbour, MD agrees to pay $1 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit that alleges she billed excessively for patient visits, for procedures that weren’t medically necessary, and for procedures that happened while she was out of the country, all of which violate the False Claims Act. Whistleblower and Office Manager Lori Moore says Barbour’s fraudulent billing practices included using improper billing codes and not taking notes in real time. Moore, who worked at the practice for over a decade, knew something was up when Barbour’s lifestyle became increasingly extravagant with the purchase of multiple homes, cars, and businesses, and even an attempt to become a pop star.

Contacts

Jenn,  Mr. H, Lorre, Dr. Jayne, Dr. Gregg

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

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News 8/31/16

Top News

HHS awards $53 million to six programs designed to help healthcare organizations bolster drug misuse prevention efforts, improve access to opioid use disorder treatment, reduce opioid-related deaths, and improve data tracking of opioid misuse and overdoses (fatal and non-fatal). The 25 states participating in the data-related programs will receive a combined $10 million, which will be distributed via the CDC and SAMHSA. “States are on the frontline of preventing prescription opioid overdoses—it is critical that state health departments have the support they need to combat the epidemic,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD. “States can use these funds to develop, implement, and evaluate programs that save lives.”

Webinars

None scheduled soon. Contact Lorre for webinar services. Past webinars are on our HIStalk webinars YouTube channel.

Announcements and Implementations

Falcon Physician adds charting capabilities to its Platinum EHR for nephrologists.

The Reconstructive Orthopedic Center of Houston will roll out RCM and patient engagement software and services from Indianapolis-based Zotec Partners at its four facilities.

Telemedicine

The National Psoriasis Foundation adds the DermatologistOnCall telemedicine service from Iagnosis to its Patient Navigation resource center. The Pittsburgh-based vendor has had a busy month, also signing on United Skin Specialists (MN) and Summa Health (OH).

A JABFM policy brief (based on the somewhat dated findings of an AAFP survey) highlights the likelihood of safety net clinics and health management organizations to use telemedicine in primary care. Family physicians working in PCMHs were evenly split in their use of telemedicine, prompting the authors to suggest “a need for greater evidence of telehealth’s benefits and incentives for its adoption on the road to practice transformation.”

People

The Global Partnership for Telehealth promotes Sherrie Williams to COO.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Bedford, TX-based software, services, and consulting firm Quatris Health secures an undisclosed amount of funding from private equity firm Seaport Capital. The company was formed in 2013 through the merger of Final Support and Alliance Healthcare Solutions, and is now the largest reseller of GE Healthcare’s Centricity software.

Sponsor Updates

• Gibson Consultants publishes “Independence remains a rewarding choice for doctors” by Aprima CEO Michael Nissenbaum and Chadwick Prodromos, MD.
• KLAS recognizes Nordic as a top performer in optimization services.

Blog Posts

• Attend EVO16 – This Year’s AdvancedMD User Conference (AdvancedMD)
• What it’s really like to help keep a US health system’s vitals in check (GE Healthcare)

Contacts

Jenn,  Mr. H, Lorre, Dr. Jayne, Dr. Gregg

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

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Contact us online.
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