News 6/21/17

Top News

Physicians at small and/or independent practices are likely breathing sighs of relief as they wade through the 1,000-plus page 2018 Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule released yesterday afternoon. CMS seems to have kept its ears open to the plight of overburdened and under-reimbursed MDs unsure as to how they would keep up with the federal government’s attempts to move everyone over to value-based Medicare programs. Highlights of the rule include:

• Increased opportunity for exemption from MIPS thanks to an increased threshold requirement of 200 patients or $90,000 in payments, as well as a hardship exemption for small practices for advancing care information data-reporting.
• Allowing for the continued use of 2014-edition CEHRT (but bonus points for using 2015 technology).
• Continued offering of pick-your-pace MIPS data-reporting options.
• Ability to participate in MIPS via cost-saving Virtual Groups.

“We’ve heard the concerns that too many quality programs, technology requirements, and measures get between the doctor and the patient,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in an announcement. “That’s why we’re taking a hard look at reducing burdens. By proposing this rule, we aim to improve Medicare by helping doctors and clinicians concentrate on caring for their patients rather than filling out paperwork.”

Health IT advisor Justin Barnes, who sat in on CMS listening sessions related to the proposed rule, believes the second-year QPP proposal is a solid step in the right direction. “CMS does care. They are listening,” he explains. “Giving small practices and rural providers more flexibility is the right step, but it’s also important that these types of providers don’t use this as an easy way to opt out of exploring new payment models. Even if you’re exempt or don’t quality, you should still consider how your practice can adopt some of these value-based strategies. There’s no going back to full fee for service. You don’t want to get left behind.”

Comments on the proposed rule are due August 21. CMS will host an overview webinar of the proposed rule on June 26 at 1pm ET.

Webinars

June 22 (Thursday) 1:00 ET. “Social Determinants of Health.” Sponsored by Philips Wellcentive. Presenter: David Nash, MD, MBA, dean, Jefferson College of Population Health. One of the nation’s foremost experts on social determinants of health will explain the importance of these factors and how to make the best use of them.

June 29 (Thursday) 2:00 ET. “Be the First to See New Data on Why Patients Switch Healthcare Providers.” Sponsored by Solutionreach. As patients pay more for their care and have access to more data about cost and quality, their expectations for healthcare are changing. And as their expectations change, they are more likely to switch providers to get them met. In this free webinar, we’ll look at this new data on why patients switch and what makes them stay. Be one of the first to see the latest data on why patients leave and what you can do about it.

July 11 (Tuesday) 1:00 ET.  “Your Data Migration Questions Answered: Ask the Expert Q&A Panel.” Sponsored by Galen Healthcare Solutions. Presenters: Julia Snapp, manager of professional services, Galen Healthcare Solutions; Tyler Suacci, principal technical consultant, Galen Healthcare Solutions. This webcast will give attendees who are considering or in the process of replacing and/or transitioning EHRs the ability to ask questions of our experts. Our moderators have extensive experience in data migration efforts, having supported over 250+ projects, and migration of 40MM+ patient records and 7K+ providers. They will be available to answer questions surrounding changes in workflows, items to consider when migrating data, knowing what to migrate vs. archive, etc.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre for information on webinar services

Announcements and Implementations

Raintree Systems will offer Physitrack’s virtual physical therapy technology to its EHR and PM end users. The news comes less than a week after Raintree announced it will incorporate MedBridge’s Educational Ecosystem resources (which includes online continuing education, home exercise programming, and outcomes tracking) into its TherapyRehab Plus and PediatricTherapy Plus software.

Atlanta-based digital health startup WonderHealth develops the Mina app, which allows users to store and share their healthcare data via QR code. EHR integration seems to be in the works.

Inland Imaging Business Associates (WA) renews its RCM agreement with Zotec Partners.

People

Navicure hires Andrea Maizes (Tradestation Group) as chief human resources offer and Robert Hendricks (McKesson) as chief product officer.

Government and Politics

The White House launches a website dedicated to its ACA repeal and replacement efforts one day ahead of when Senate Republicans have said they will release their proposed AHCA legislation. A vote is expected in the Senate next week.

CMS publishes a tip sheet to help providers prepare for the removal of Social Security Numbers from Medicare ID cards. For physicians looking for all the advice they can get, I highly recommend Dr. Jayne’s recent Curbside Consult on the subject.

Other

DataBreach.net reports that The Dark Overlord has struck again, this time dumping the contact information of nine celebrities who endorsed Dougherty Laser Vision (CA) on Twitter. TDO’s account seems to have been suspended, and the vision center has not posted anything publicly about a data breach.

Sponsor Updates

• EClinicalWorks will exhibit at the HFMA ANI conference June 25-28 in Orlando.

Blog Posts

• Integrity and Commitment (Aprima)
• Chronic Care Management and Aging (EClinicalWorks)

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

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News 6/20/17

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San Diego-based InteliScript rebrands to InteliSys Health in an effort to expand beyond its prescription pricing and benefits roots into a more comprehensive e-prescribing transparency platform that includes analytics and medication adherence tools. It’s a somewhat quick change, given the company formally introduced its flagship product, Rx Stream , at HIMSS17 earlier this year.

Webinars

June 22 (Thursday) 1:00 ET. “Social Determinants of Health.” Sponsored by Philips Wellcentive. Presenter: David Nash, MD, MBA, dean, Jefferson College of Population Health. One of the nation’s foremost experts on social determinants of health will explain the importance of these factors and how to make the best use of them.

June 29 (Thursday) 2:00 ET. “Be the First to See New Data on Why Patients Switch Healthcare Providers.” Sponsored by Solutionreach. As patients pay more for their care and have access to more data about cost and quality, their expectations for healthcare are changing. And as their expectations change, they are more likely to switch providers to get them met. In this free webinar, we’ll look at this new data on why patients switch and what makes them stay. Be one of the first to see the latest data on why patients leave and what you can do about it.

July 11 (Tuesday) 1:00 ET.  “Your Data Migration Questions Answered: Ask the Expert Q&A Panel.” Sponsored by Galen Healthcare Solutions. Presenters: Julia Snapp, manager of professional services, Galen Healthcare Solutions; Tyler Suacci, principal technical consultant, Galen Healthcare Solutions. This webcast will give attendees who are considering or in the process of replacing and/or transitioning EHRs the ability to ask questions of our experts. Our moderators have extensive experience in data migration efforts, having supported over 250+ projects, and migration of 40MM+ patient records and 7K+ providers. They will be available to answer questions surrounding changes in workflows, items to consider when migrating data, knowing what to migrate vs. archive, etc.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre for information on webinar services.

Announcements and Implementations

Primary care management company Tandigm Health selects Tabula Rasa Healthcare’s MedWise Advisor medication risk management tool to help its network physicians better care for geriatric patients after discharge from the hospital.

EHR vendor ClinicTracker develops billing services tailored for behavioral health agencies.

Eagle Physicians and Associates (NC) implements the Carequality Interoperability Framework through its EClinicalWorks EHR in an effort to share data more efficiently with local health systems using Epic.

Modernizing Medicine adds electronic prior authorization capabilities from CoverMyMeds to its EMA specialty-focused EHR.

People

Leah Binder (Leapfrog Group) joins Knowledge to Practice’s Board of Directors.

Research and Innovation

A Solutionreach survey of 2,100 patients across four specialties finds that 43 percent of Millenials, 44 percent of GenXers, and 20 percent of Baby Boomers are likely to look for new physicians within the next two to three years. Patients of all ages cite frustration with practice wait times, communication methods (or lack thereof), convenience, and the inability to easily make appointments as the top reasons for their desire to switch.

Telemedicine

The Fulton County Public Health Department in New York will kick off a three- to five-month pilot telemedicine program next month at three affiliated locations to determine how effective virtual consults are in helping rural patients access care, and reducing ER visits and hospital readmissions. FCPHD will set up a network of telemedicine health stations across the county if its goal of a 25-percent reduction in such events is met.

An Advisory Board survey of nearly 5,000 consumers reveals that 19 percent have seen a physician virtually, and that 77 percent would consider doing so. Concerns that may be holding some consumers back include the quality of care, and the chance a virtual visit would need to be followed up with an in-person visit (likely leaving the patient feeling the virtual consult was a waste of time and money).

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

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News 6/19/17

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ChartSpan Medical Technologies raises $16 million in a venture round led by Cypress Growth Capital, bringing its total funding to $22.15 million since launching in 2012. The chronic care management-focused technology vendor aims to create 300 jobs over the next 18 months and expand beyond its Greenville, SC borders.

Webinars

June 22 (Thursday) 1:00 ET. “Social Determinants of Health.” Sponsored by Philips Wellcentive. Presenter: David Nash, MD, MBA, dean, Jefferson College of Population Health. One of the nation’s foremost experts on social determinants of health will explain the importance of these factors and how to make the best use of them.

June 29 (Thursday) 2:00 ET. “Be the First to See New Data on Why Patients Switch Healthcare Providers.” Sponsored by Solutionreach. As patients pay more for their care and have access to more data about cost and quality, their expectations for healthcare are changing. And as their expectations change, they are more likely to switch providers to get them met. In this free webinar, we’ll look at this new data on why patients switch and what makes them stay. Be one of the first to see the latest data on why patients leave and what you can do about it.

July 11 (Tuesday) 1:00 ET.  “Your Data Migration Questions Answered: Ask the Expert Q&A Panel.” Sponsored by Galen Healthcare Solutions. Presenters: Julia Snapp, manager of professional services, Galen Healthcare Solutions; Tyler Suacci, principal technical consultant, Galen Healthcare Solutions. This webcast will give attendees who are considering or in the process of replacing and/or transitioning EHRs the ability to ask questions of our experts. Our moderators have extensive experience in data migration efforts, having supported over 250+ projects, and migration of 40MM+ patient records and 7K+ providers. They will be available to answer questions surrounding changes in workflows, items to consider when migrating data, knowing what to migrate vs. archive, etc.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre for information on webinar services.

Announcements and Implementations

Aledade will work with UnitedHealthcare to launch its first Medicare Advantage ACO. The program will potentially serve 15,000 UnitedHealthcare members in Arkansas, and leverage data-sharing capabilities between the two organizations.

EMDs will add Updox’s care coordination and CRM capabilities to its Lytec, Medisoft, Practice Partner, Solution Series, and Plus EHR and PM systems.

Innovaccer develops an evaluation tool to help physicians determine the financial benefits and potential clinical outcomes associated with various value-based programs like MIPS, CCM, and CPC+.

HybridChart, RevMD, ITel, and Life365 – all based in Phoenix – announce plans to leverage each other’s technologies as part of a new partnership that they hope will provide their customers with a more comprehensive IT solution. The companies offer EHR-friendly charting software, billing software, telemedicine services, and remote patient monitoring, respectively.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Formativ Health moves forward with plans to build a 72,200 square-feet patient access service center in Jacksonville, FL. First announced as part of the practice management company’s launch earlier this year, the $1.6 million center will employ up to 500. 

Telemedicine

The Montgomery County School District in Georgia will trial 24/7 Kid Doc’s Connect-a-Doc virtual consult system during the upcoming school year. The pilot marks the second such implementation for the Newton, NC-based telemedicine vendor. Its initial, still-ongoing trial kicked off last year with a school system in North Carolina.

Preferred Risk Administrators will roll out First Stop Health’s telemedicine services to self-insured employers.

Other

Start ‘em young: The Girl Scouts will offer troop members a cybersecurity badge this August. With the help of Palo Alto Networks, younger scouts will have the opportunity to learn about data privacy, cyberbullying, and online security. Older scouts will focus on learning how to code, development of and interaction with firewalls, and becoming “white hat” hackers.

Sponsor Updates

• Versus Technology offers its RTLS for wayfinding initiatives using Bluetooth Low Energy networks.

Blog Posts

• VUE17: Sun, Surf and Intracoastal Connections (Versus Technology)

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

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Contact us online.
Become a sponsor.

Population Health Management Weekly Wrap Up 6/18/19

Caradigm releases a trio of population health tools to help Medicare ACOs understand clinical and financial risk and utilization patterns, and to identify high-risk patients who may need clinical intervention.

Persivia adds a chart-abstracted quality measurement reporting and submission tool to its population health technology to assist physicians with the hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting program.

Aegis Health merges with digital marketing firm Clariture to form Trilliant Health. The companies will retain their brands as separate business units.

Novant Health (NC) implements Epic’s Healthy Planet Link analytics-based population health management platform.

Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health will implement Qlik’s visual analytics software across their academic departments and partner hospitals.

A Black Book survey finds that an overwhelming majority of hospital executives and managers will ultimately look to population health management-focused IT as patient accounting systems as they continue to shift their organizations to value-based care. Allscripts, Cerner, and Epic seem to have the most mindshare of those surveyed.

Pennsylvania-based Washington Health System, St. Clair Hospital, Butler Health System, and Excela Health System form a clinically integrated network under the Bridges Health Partners banner.The network will kick off its population health management-focused activities with the launch of a Medicare ACO in early 2018.

Sponsor Updates

Blog Posts

• Managing the surprisingly troublesome impact of real-time healthcare on decision-making (PerfectServe)
• 6 essential tips for adding on Epic’s home care applications (Nordic)

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

Get HIStalk Practice updates.
Contact us online.
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News 6/15/17

Top News

National Coordinator Don Rucker, MD emphasizes ONC’s priority of working with stakeholders to address the “truly difficult challenges” of interoperability and software usability in his introductory blog post. Given his medical informatics background (he helped to create one of the world’s first Windows-based EHRs during his time at Datamedic), it’s no surprise he should have a special place in his heart for “care that is driven by multiple electronic data streams.” Thankfully, he seems intent on adding transparency to the mix:

“We need to ensure that our policies reflect the goals of economic transparency and operational efficiency to lower both the cost of care and administrative costs. We will be working closely with our colleagues across the public and private sector and with Members of Congress to share that message. I want to empower people to shop for care and empower the healthcare market to be efficient without adding to our regulatory and policy ‘stack.’”

Webinars

June 22 (Thursday) 1:00 ET. “Social Determinants of Health.” Sponsored by Philips Wellcentive. Presenter: David Nash, MD, MBA, dean, Jefferson College of Population Health. One of the nation’s foremost experts on social determinants of health will explain the importance of these factors and how to make the best use of them.

June 29 (Thursday) 2:00 ET. “Be the First to See New Data on Why Patients Switch Healthcare Providers.” Sponsored by Solutionreach. As patients pay more for their care and have access to more data about cost and quality, their expectations for healthcare are changing. And as their expectations change, they are more likely to switch providers to get them met. In this free webinar, we’ll look at this new data on why patients switch and what makes them stay. Be one of the first to see the latest data on why patients leave and what you can do about it.

July 11 (Tuesday) 1:00 ET.  “Your Data Migration Questions Answered: Ask the Expert Q&A Panel.” Sponsored by Galen Healthcare Solutions. Presenters: Julia Snapp, manager of professional services, Galen Healthcare Solutions; Tyler Suacci, principal technical consultant, Galen Healthcare Solutions. This webcast will give attendees who are considering or in the process of replacing and/or transitioning EHRs the ability to ask questions of our experts. Our moderators have extensive experience in data migration efforts, having supported over 250+ projects, and migration of 40MM+ patient records and 7K+ providers. They will be available to answer questions surrounding changes in workflows, items to consider when migrating data, knowing what to migrate vs. archive, etc.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre for information on webinar services.

Announcements and Implementations

The Pediatric Management Institute develops an RCM reporting and analysis dashboard for pediatric practices and hospitals.

Medent adds Appriss Health’s PMP Gateway tool to its EHR, enabling physician end users to more easily access state PDMPs at the point of care.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Boca Raton, FL-based healthcare staffing company Cross Country Healthcare will acquire West Chester, OH-based Advantage RN, an independent travel nurse staffing business, for $88 million. Advantage CEO Matt Price will stay on in a yet-to-be-determined role.

Practice management company Continuum Health acquires a controlling interest in Captify Health, a competitor serving digestive health providers.

People

Leonard Press, OD (Vision and Learning Center)  joins digital vision therapy company Eyecarrot Innovations as director of global education.

Telemedicine

HelloMD branches beyond its home base of California with the launch of its medical marijuana telemedicine service in New York.

A study of 402 patients in Norway suffering from headaches finds no difference in clinical outcome between those who received treatment via telemedicine and those who were seen in a doctor’s office.

Government and Politics

Press Ganey receives approval from CMS to administer its new MIPS CAHPS Survey from November 2017 to February 2018. The survey is an optional quality measure similar to the 2016 PQRS. Press Ganey is one of 16 approved vendors. Physicians must let CMS know which vendor they’ve chosen to contract with by September 19.

Research and Innovation

Toronto-based Figure 1 developers work with researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario to turn photos of electrocardiograms into digital data. The company’s flagship app allows physicians to securely share patient photos and details for feedback from other physicians. The company hopes to eventually develop an algorithm that will help interpret ECG results.

A Bizmatics survey finds that physician practices that outsource RCM technology and services are twice as likely to receive a near 100-percent claim payment rate as those who attempt to manage billing in-house.

Other

Dutch entrepreneurs create the Totem of Life and Death (TOLAD) to make the process of scattering a loved one’s ashes “a more worthy and respectful ritual.” The mobile urn, which dispenses ashes every time it is tapped on the ground, is accompanied by an app that tracks the predetermined route of mourners.

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk, HIStalk Connect.

Get HIStalk Practice updates.
Contact us online.
Become a sponsor.