IT Practice Consulting – Health IT Report – August 2016

“EHRs Improve Integrated Care Coordination, Benefit Clinical Workflows”

Introduction

 

The benefits of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to healthcare practices has become the most extensively debated aspect of modern health information technology.  While some physicians assert that EHRs are a hindrance to traditional operations, the majority of providers conclude that the advantages of information technology outweigh any implementation complications. In fact, a wide range of studies suggest that EHRs directly improve quality patient care and increase overall savings. Increasingly, studies on the successful employment of EHRs suggest that there are numerous intangible benefits associated with information technology. Greatest among these are positive developments in integrated care coordination and clinical workflows. Functionality and organization are the keystones of an effective medical practice, and EHRs are redefining the medical care experience.

 

EHR Adoption High, Integrated Care Increases

 

Outpatient EHR implementation recently reached an all-time high, increasing exponentially from 55 percent in 2010 to the 92 percent adoption reported in early 2016. This market saturation bodes well for the medical community; accompanying the rise in EHR usage are notable improvements in administrative efficiency and conscientious data-sharing. EHRs can stimulate interoperability among healthcare professionals by extricating communication channels and organizing patient health information. Computerized physician order entries (CPOE), for example, distribute medical testing information to relevant persons within an organization. A primary function of EHR systems, CPOEs often reduce the rate of redundant testing and bypass the risk of order errors due to indistinguishable handwriting. Integrated care coordination is also enhanced by the EHRs’ robust health information exchange (HIE); this seamless transfer of an individual’s health data between separate medical institutions benefits patient care and safety.

 

Read more about Integrated Care Coordination at EHR Intelligence:

4 EHR Best Practices for Improving Clinical Workflows

 

Successful Workflows Show Decrease in Infections

 

The effectiveness of a medical practice’s care coordination directly affects the efficiency of its organizational workflow. Registration, waiting time, and sample testing: all of these processes are influenced by the level (and accuracy) of communication among workplace associates. The Department of Health & Human Services encourages thoughtful syntheses between EHR systems and a practice’s organizational framework, citing, “Efficiently managed workflow redesign can help maximize efficiencies, enhance healthcare quality and safety, and remove chaos from your current workflow.” A study led by AnneMarie Walker-Czyz, EdD, RN – titled “The Impact of an Integrated Electronic Health Record Adoption on Nursing Care Quality” – investigated clinical workflow for nurses before and after the implementation of EHR systems. The study found reductions in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), decreases in patient falls, and virtually no rise in hospital spending on nursing. With current functionalities including scheduling patients, renewing medications, and expediting the check-out process, EHRs allow healthcare professionals to focus on logistical priorities and streamline clinical workflows.

 

Read more on Improving Clinical Workflows here:

EHR Adoption Positively Impacts Nurses, Clinical Workflows

 

Final Thoughts

 

As adoption rates rise and healthcare institutions fund intensive studies, the observed benefits of EHRs continue to expand. Clinical workflows and integrated care coordination are essential to patient treatment and often translate to financial advantages. However, recent studies emphasize the importance of truly effectual EHRs in regards to future benefits. “Simply because a practice has adopted and implemented an EHR does not mean the hospital will automatically function more effectively,” claims EHR Intelligence, “Understanding how to improve is key.” Moreover, many practitioners fail to take advantage of governmental incentive programs that relieve economic burdens and ensure organizations meet legal standards.

Luckily, capturing the financial potential and effectiveness of your EHR system is as simple as reaching out to an implementation professional. The New York eHealth Collaborative dedicates its services to medical practices state-wide in navigating complicated federal regulations and selecting incentive programs. Furthermore, IT Practice Consulting (ITPC) is experienced in helping healthcare professionals optimize their EHR technologies. Qualified in application, operation, and education of EHRs, ITPC supports the healthcare community in the continued success of health information technology.

 

Contact IT Practice Consulting today.

IT Practice Consulting – Health IT Report – July 2016

 

“Digital Access Engages Patients, Reduces Costs, and Encourages Wellness”

 

Introduction

 

Advancing technologies continue to challenge how populations receive and digest information, and the world of health care is no exception. A recent study, “Patients Want a Heavy Dose of Digital,” revealed that patients are beginning to petition for interactive personal health data, with an emphasis on digital and mobile access. While previous medical information technology may have focused on limited data sharing – appointment summaries, test conclusions, etc. – current digital tools strive to offer patients the entire package of the health care experience. Fortunately, providers participating in electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals cite numerous peripheral benefits for their practices, including cost reductions and increased preventative care. With unrestricted data-sharing on the rise, health care practitioners across the country are implementing convenient information systems to meet consumers’ growing demands for accessible medical records and reciprocal communication.

 

Study Shows Substantial Increase in Patient Engagement Programs

 

According to a recent American Hospital Association TrendWatch report, hospitals nationwide have witnessed significant developments in the scope and capabilities of patient portal programs (between 2013 and 2015). “The value of hospital adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) also extends to patients,” the introduction reads, “who now have more secure electronic access to their medical information than ever before.” The numbers certainly back this up.

An astounding 92 percent of patients had access to digital medical records in 2015, starkly contrasting the 43 percent availability two years prior. Similarly, a patient’s ability to download their health care information doubled in this period. Other consumer-targeted options saw more modest improvements; paying bills, scheduling appointments, and requesting prescription refills saw close to 20 percent increases. TrendWatch characterizes these progressions as clinicians, “prioritizing investments in health information technology” in response to growing consumer demands.

 

Read the American Hospital Association’s July 2016 TrendWatch report here:

Individuals’ Ability to Electronically Access Their Hospital Medical Records, Perform Key Tasks is Growing

 

Accessible Medical Records Cut Costs, Encourage Preventative Care

 

Patient portals and similar digital tools have enriched the health care experience by allowing consumers a sense of cooperation and transparency in their personal wellness. Moreover, these ground-breaking technologies directly benefit providers. AJMC Managed Market Networks cross-analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Annual Survey to determine “whether advanced electronic health record (EHR) use in hospitals is associated with lower cost of providing inpatient care.” Findings from over 500 hospitals concluded that patients treated with effective EHRs cost the organization, on average, ten percent less than those in the control group. These profitable results are correlated with decreases in incorrect diagnoses, redundant testing, and extended stays.  

Preventative care is also on the upswing. Interactive patient portals now offer appointment notifications, real-time physician messaging, and relevant health tips. Most notably, JMIR e-Health Research Publications reported an apparent relationship between EHR portal messages and increased rates of influenza vaccinations. With a five percent improvement over twenty thousand participants, JMIR researchers encourage practitioners, especially primary care doctors, to utilize direct messaging as an advisory tool.

 

Read the entire AJMC cost report here:

Association of Electronic Health Records With Cost Savings in a National Sample

Read more on increasing influenza vaccinations through patient portal messages here:

Improving Rates of Influenza Vaccination Through Electronic Health Record Portal Messages, Interactive Voice Recognition Calls and Patient-Enabled Electronic Health Record Updates: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

 

Finals Thoughts

 

Innovation in health information technology has pushed modern medicine past its conventional physician-patient relationship and into an era of collaborative wellness. The goal of electronic applications and portals is simple: to improve patient care and support interoperability among medical organizations. This December, initiated by the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), over 500 medical professionals will participate in the 2016 Digital Health Conference, supporting the mission of advancing patient-accessible health care.  The NYeC, a leading facilitator of federal grants and incentive programs, anticipates that the conference will “foster dynamic conversation addressing how healthcare is being redefined through technology.”

 

Contact IT Practice Consulting today to take full advantage of the economic and qualitative benefits of electronic health records. ITPC assists in navigating the EHR regulations, while ensuring optimal security for patient-accessible data systems.

 

 

Don’t Forget to Keep Updated on the New York eHealth Collaborative’s 2016 Digital Health Conference.

IT Practice Consulting – Health IT Report – June 2016

“Medical Applications – the Future of Accessible Public Health Begins with Integrated EHRs”

 

Introduction

 

In an era of fitness apps, medical web forums, and holistic lifestyle blogs, technology is an exponential wealth of communication and information-sharing. Popular demand for electronically accessible medical records – including a movement towards cellular applications – is therefore unsurprising, but progression towards software actualization remains stunted. Software engineers and medical professionals alike consider the development of health IT applications as derivative of a larger, imminent goal: fluent data-sharing of EHRs (electronic health records).  The Institute of Medicine, which spearheaded the Roundtable on Value and Science-Driven Healthcare, reports that health technology requires not only reliable data-sourcing and interoperability, “but also addressing the matter of individual data ownership and the extent to which data central to progress in health and health care should constitute a public good.” According to the Institute, medical businesses, practices, and associates can assist in the innovation of health IT by maintaining compatible, comprehensive EHRs.

 

Patients and Practitioners look towards Mobile Health Applications

 

A 2013 report, “Patient-Generated Health Data and Health IT,” collaborated the findings from a dozen medical research studies in order to analyze public and private receptivity to accessible health records. The report concluded that over 80% of medical practitioners agreed that mobile access was likely to improve patient care coordination and 60% of Americans wanted to communicate electronically with their healthcare providers. One particular study reviewed Kaiser Permanente’s HIPAA-compliant, physician-patient messaging system and found it was “associated with a decrease in unnecessary office visits, an increase in measurable quality outcomes, and excellent patient satisfaction.” Furthermore, Project Health Design, a study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, developed two successful medical mobile apps. “BreathEasy” and “Estrellita” offer real-time provider communication for patients suffering from asthma and caregivers of high-risk infants, respectively. A common theme among the hospitals and projects chosen for the report was the high-level of participation in Meaningful Use and EHRs.      

 

Read the entire report from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology here:

Patient-Generated Health Data and Health IT

 

Why Comprehensive EHRs Matter

 

The Future Health Index (FHI), an extensive study commissioned by Royal Philips Healthcare, reviewed deviating levels of digital health preparedness among medical professionals and patients. According to its findings, 74% of patients reiterate personal information for their various providers, while 60% report repeatedly taking the same tests. These numbers seems abnormally high, considering more than two-thirds of the participating healthcare professionals and patients said they “believe integrated health systems and connected technologies can improve the quality of care for patients.” However, half of providers and patients (52% and 51%, respectively) admitted that ineffective implementation, costly training, and bureaucratic backlash were the largest roadblocks to furthering such technological applications. In conclusion, while the public and private sectors strongly agree that electronically accessible health records are the future of patient care, ongoing health IT programs require individual and communal improvements.

 

Read More on the Future Health Index (FHI) report here:

Breaking the cycle of reactive healthcare: Analysis of the U.S. Future Health Index results

 

Final Thoughts

 

As healthcare technology evolves into patient-friendly formats, practitioners can expect an increased demand in independently accessible records within the next few years. The foundation of these innovations, however, is transparency, interoperability, and reliable data-sharing between medical professionals. Most notably, the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) will host the 2016 Digital Health Conference this December, with over 500 senior-level health employers networking and collaborating on the latest health IT trends.

NYeC endeavours to transform healthcare businesses statewide by assisting in the successful integration of federal grants and incentive programs. Help support the future of health IT and patient care, by ensuring your practice has optimized its use of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient-accessible technologies. Contact IT Practice Consulting today to facilitate a consultation on your practice’s current healthcare systems, as well as emerging opportunities for greater efficiency, security and improved patient care.

 

Don’t Forget to Keep Updated on the New York eHealth Collaborative’s 2016 Digital Health Conference.

IT Practice Consulting – Health IT Report – May 2016

“Phase 2 of the HIPAA Audit Program – FAQs and Preparing Your Practice”

 

Introduction:

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently announced its launch of HIPAA’s Audit Program Phase Two. Originating as a requirement of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), HIPAA’s Audit Program initiated periodic audits of covered business entities and associates’ compliances with the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules. Phase 1 ran from 2011 to 2012, employing a pilot audit program to evaluate privacy controls implemented by 115 covered business entities, as well as their subsequent levels of compliance with HIPAA’s requirements.  Starting in 2016, Phase 2 will cast a wider net over covered practices, applying verified audit tools that emerged from Phase 1’s pilot programs. The U.S. Department of Health confirms: “these tools enable OCR to identify best practices and proactively uncover and address risks and vulnerabilities to protected health information (PHI).” Fortunately, preparing your business for Phase 2 is as easy as educating your employees on HIPAA’s audit procedures and staying informed.

 

Read More from the Department of Health and Human Services:

OCR Launches Phase 2 of HIPAA Audit Program

 

Who Will Be Audited?

 

Any covered practice, medical entity, or collaborative business associates may be audited. The OCR intends to select a wide range of potential audits, based primarily on a business’ size, type, and scope of operations. Only entities currently undergoing complaint investigations or compliance reviews will be removed from the selection process.

 

How Will the Audits Work?

 

The OCR plans to conduct both desk and on-site audits during the implementation of Phase 2 and has asked for every business’ full cooperation and support with the ongoing audits. Desk audits will initially be performed for medical entities, with a second round of desk audits later applied to collaborative associates. The Phase 2 timeline expects these desk audits to be completed by December 2016. However, certain businesses will then be selected for a third round of audit procedures, including on-site personnel and documentation review. Finally, auditors will develop reports and draft conclusions; business entities can respond to the aforementioned findings and any written responses will be included in the final audit reports.

How Do I Prepare My Practice for Phase 2?

 

Independent practices and business associates alike can prepare for Phase 2 audits by fully participating in HIPAA’s selection process. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), an email will be sent to covered entities requesting verification of a business’ most recent street address and contact information. Businesses are urged to frequently check spam inboxes for this email, as virus filters may incorrectly flag the OCR’s email. After receiving a response, the OCR will then email a pre-audit questionnaire; this form seeks to gain information concerning an entity’s size, type, and scope of operations. The HHS stresses that “an entity that does not respond to OCR may still be selected for an audit or subject to a compliance review” and, therefore, strongly suggests completion of both forms. After response, an entity should monitor their email and calls for further information about the HIPAA Audit Program; the OCR assures business entities that transparency is a significant portion of these audits and it intends to “post updated audit protocols on its website closer to conducting the 2016 audits.”

 

Read More from the Department of Health and Human Services:

FAQs about HIPAA’s 2016 Audit Program

 

Final Thoughts

 

HIPAA’s Audit Program proposes quick, efficient procedures for all covered entities, but Phase 2 preparedness is integral to full cooperation and positive results. If you have any concerns about your practice’s compliance with HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, talk to an expert today about pre-audit reviews. The New York e-Health Collaborative (NYec) strives to empower medical practices state-wide by supporting businesses through the implementation and success of Health IT programs, including information privacy. Teaming together with IT Practice Consulting, the NYeC can ensure your practice’s preparation for Phase 2 of HIPAA’s 2016 Audit Programs.

 

Contact IT Practice Consulting today to start your pre-audit review.

IT Practice Consulting – Health IT Report – April 2016

 

“Incentive Program Changes in 2017 – What Meaningful Use Providers Should Know About MIPS”

 

Last April, Congress approved of the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) 2015, a federal health bill awaiting its nationwide integration in 2019. The legislation terminated the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) method utilized in government incentive programs, due to payment controversies and substantial negative feedback. Current participants of Meaningful Use should understand the full impact of MACRA on medical programs moving forward, with a focus on the newest system: MIPS.

 

What is MIPS?

Titled Merit-Based Incentives Payment System, MIPS is defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ as, “a new program that combines parts of the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), the Value Modifier (VM or Value-based Payment Modifier), and the Medicare Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive program into one single program.” This all-encompassing system initiates its first performance year in 2017, with adjusted reimbursements to commence in 2019. Furthermore, MIPS’ aggregated program will rate physician and practice performance with a 0-100 scale measuring Quality, Resource Use, Clinical Practice Improvement, and Meaningful Use of Certified EHRs. Although the mandatory transition requires reorganization on the health benefactor’s part, the American College of Surgeons’ assures the medical community that, “[MIPS] is designed to give certainty for providers, reward those who meet performance thresholds, and improve care for seniors.”

 

How will MIPS affect my ongoing/upcoming Meaning Use program?

Mentioned earlier, MIPS is a collective system which strives to efficiently integrate quality reporting with health IT incentive programs. A WellCentive article by Liz Preece, “10 Things to Know About MIPS Today,” confirms that “separate MU payment adjustments will stop in 2019, when the incentive/penalty structure under MIPS will start.” However, according to the American College of Surgeons’ “Frequently Asked Questions about MIPS,” performance valuation will not deviate far from past programs. “The quality measures will consist of those currently used in the existing quality performance programs,” says the American College of Surgeons; these measures include the Physician Quality Reporting System and Meaningful Use. Moreover, while existing programs have begun penalizing surgeons for non-compliance in 2016, MIPS will combine all further incentives and penalties in 2019, nullifying individual consequences.

Read more about MIPS from the American College of Surgeons here:

Frequently Asked Questions about MIPS

 

What benefits will arise from this collaboration?

MIPS’ innovative development from multiple incentive programs to one effective quality assurance system centers on the medical community’s movement towards interoperability. Participating health providers are expected to benefit through MIPs’ improved incentives and continuous approach. For example, WellCentive’s “10 Things You Need to Know About MIPS Today” reports that PCMH (Patient Centered Medical Home) recognized organizations “automatically qualify for the highest possible score in the Clinical Practice Improvement category.” WellCentive also finds that Eligible Professionals (Eps) who exceed the 25th percentile of positive scores will receive additional payment adjustments up to 10%. Most significantly, the federal government has allocated $20 million annually (from 2016-2020) for technological assistance for health care providers with 15 or fewer professionals to improve their MIPS performance.

 

Read more on WellCentives’ article here:

10 Things to Know About MIPS Today

 

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from an ongoing Meaningful Use incentive program to MIPS doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Implemented through the New York State Department of Health, the New York eHealth Collaborative lobbies for Eligible Professionals state-wide to receive federal grants and ensure practices remain meaningful users advancing towards interoperability. Furthermore, IT Practice Consulting supports local health providers in their selections of federal incentive programs, as well as seamless technological incorporation of EHRs.

 

Is your practice prepared for the upcoming transition to the Merit-Based Incentives Payment System? Contact IT Practice Consulting today!

 

Coming Next Month – HIPAA

Read our update on how the new HIPAA audit rules may affect your practice!