Racial Disparities of COVID-19 Demand That We Explore and Address Root Causes
How can the healthcare industry acknowledge racial disparities and strategically work to reduce them? Don’t forget to share this post!
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Smart Companies Support Employees’ Mental Health
‘Unplugging,’ staying connected remotely, helping with child care and being vulnerable are among the ways to fight worry, stress and burnout. Don’t forget to share this post!
Back to Work: Precautions Employers Can Take as Employees Reenter the Workplace
In many cities and states, workplaces are beginning to open their doors again and employees are returning to the office. What precautions should employers take to keep their employees safe…
Health Insurance Affordability: A Call to Action for Healthcare Industry Stakeholders in the Pandemic
Even before COVID-19, working-age Americans struggled to afford healthcare coverage. Now, in the event of an economic downturn, the situation could worsen. Health economist Jane Sarasohn-Kahn explores the findings of…
COVID-19: What We’ve Learned the Past Six Months
In April, Dr. Terry McInnis explained what researchers were learning and studying about the coronavirus. Now, five months later, Dr. McInnis shares even more information about testing, the risk of…
Supporting Children’s Mental Health in Uncertain Times
How can parents help support the mental health of their kids and ensure the upcoming school year is a positive one—no matter where “school” is or what it looks like?…
Giving Ourselves Permission to Grieve
Grief is a normal response to loss. We’ve all lost something during COVID-19, and it’s OK to grieve that loss. Don’t forget to share this post!
Moving Forward With Virtual Health Investments
Telehealth usage surged because of COVID-19. Now, our customers are shifting gears to use virtual health technology—and we’re here to help. Don’t forget to share this post!
End-of-Life Care in a COVID-19 Environment
Shoshana Ungerleider, M.D., founder of the End Well Project, discusses the importance of communications skills and palliative care when discussing end-of-life issues with patients. Don’t forget to share this post!
How the Pandemic Is Accelerating the Hospital-at-Home Concept
The hospital-at-home concept isn’t new, but the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its usage. Don’t forget to share this post!
Turning Analysis Into Population Health Action
Payers and providers need to examine all activities, not just medical activities, that impact the care of a population. That’s why population health analytics are so critical. Don’t forget to…
How the Healthcare Industry Can Support Workers’ Mental Health During the Pandemic
How can the healthcare industry best care for the mental health and well-being of frontline providers and clinicians? Don’t forget to share this post!
The Consumerism of Healthcare
What do today’s consumers want in a healthcare experience? Personal involvement is at the center of it all. That points to an increased role for virtual health—and, with COVID-19 showing…
Making Measurable Improvements in Healthcare Quality
Moving forward, Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) will be used for the digitalization of HEDIS quality measures. Don’t forget to share this post!
How Will COVID-19 Impact the Healthcare Economy?
The healthcare industry is typically immune to recessions and nationwide economic struggles—but not this time. Don’t forget to share this post!
Is Anything Private? Securing Personal Information in the Digital Era
Technology is a part of our everyday lives. But how is our privacy affected when personal information is readily available on digital devices? Don’t forget to share this post!
Maximizing Revenue and Optimizing Performance With Quality Measures
In 2019, Medecision and SPH Analytics launched a strategic partnership aimed at helping health plans improve quality performance. As the pandemic progresses, how will quality measures reporting change? Kevin Weinstein…
Normalizing Conversations About Mental Health
We’re living in a time of uncertainty, and many people are feeling stressed, anxious and panicked. Babette Apland, managing director of Call to Mind, an initiative started by American Public…
Rural Health Amid the Coronavirus
How has COVID-19 affected healthcare in rural areas? People in rural communities are typically spread out by distance already—but some could be more at risk for certain conditions because of…
Coronavirus Workarounds
The COVID-19 outbreak has motivated hospitals, manufacturers and even the government to come up with alternative solutions to the challenges we face. Don’t forget to share this post!
Using Virtual Health to Humanize the Healthcare Experience
How does virtual health help us take a step forward in humanizing healthcare? It works within and around a person’s life, as opposed to their sickness, to deliver care when,…
How Telehealth and Health Equity Can Survive After COVID-19
Telehealth usage skyrocketed during COVID-19. But it also revealed inequities in the healthcare system. Don’t forget to share this post!
Celebrating Kindness During a Pandemic
Can there really be positive news in the midst of a pandemic? Yes, if you look closely! Don’t forget to share this post!
Medecision’s Path Toward MARS-E Compliance
In January 2019, Medecision launched a yearlong process to achieve MARS-E compliance. Here’s how we did it. Don’t forget to share this post!
Utilizing Virtual Health With Elective Surgeries and Nonessential Procedures
States are beginning to reopen, and more healthcare systems and hospitals are allowing elective surgeries and nonessential procedures. As we move into a post-COVID-19 environment, how can providers continue using…
Proposed Stark Law Changes Reflect Move Toward Value-Based Care
In October 2019, CMS proposed changes to the Stark Law, which was enacted in 1988 to prevent physicians from prioritizing financial concerns over patient care. Now, CMS says that changing…
Nursing Homes: Scared and Alone in Coronavirus Fight
In the COVID-19 fight, let’s not overlook our most vulnerable populations and those who care for them. Don’t forget to share this post!
Virtual Health Is Here to Stay
Virtual health is having a heyday right now—and many experts suggest that it is here to stay long term. Don’t forget to share this post!
Recognizing Front Line Heroes During COVID-19
COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. It’s changed so many aspects of our lives – how and where we work, how we obtain healthcare services, how we engage with…
We Can and Must Do Better
We are deeply saddened by the recent displays of injustice in America—and the systemic racism that continues to plague our nation. Don’t forget to share this post!
How Will Healthcare Change After COVID-19?
Dr. Jan Berger is a tri-sector healthcare executive with a background in public, private and government sectors. In 2009, she helped found Health Intelligence Partners, a global healthcare consultancy. Below,…
Big Hearts: How Caregiving Has Changed in America
How has caregiving in America changed? For starters, more caregivers are adopting technology to help them address the complex and challenging workflow. Unfortunately, more caregivers are reporting that their own…
CMS and ONC Interoperability Rules: What Do the Latest Updates and Enforcement Delays Mean for the Industry?
CMS and ONC delays to enforcement give the industry a few additional months to prepare for major overhauls to ensure the appropriate sharing of patient health information. Yet the need…
COVID-19 Lessons That Can Improve All Patient Experiences
Chris LaVictoire Mahai, president of Aveus, a division of Medecision, shares six essential practices for improving the patient experience emerging from our shared COVID-19 lessons learned. Don’t forget to share…
Embracing the ‘New Normal’ After COVID-19
People are craving a return to “normal,” but no one quite knows what “normal” is anymore. Dr. Richard Popiel, Medecision Advisory Board chair and a senior adviser with McKinsey &…
Aerial by Medecision Is a ‘Game Changer’ for Virtual Care Management
Healthcare providers across the nation have shifted gears and switched to telehealth—and so have care and case managers. Aerial helps care and case managers virtually connect with members to manage…
‘Don’t Waste This Crisis’: COVID-19’s Silver Lining for Value-Based Care
How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect healthcare’s shift to value-based care payment models? Tamara Cull, DHA, Senior Vice President of Portfolio Management, shares her thoughts. Don’t forget to share this…
Don’t Drop the Ball: How Rackspace Continued Business as Usual
As chief executive officer for Rackspace, Kevin Jones is responsible for the company’s global strategy and operations—spanning the U.S. and three other continents where Rackspace maintains offices and data centers.…
These People, Organizations Are Making a Difference in the Fight Against COVID-19
Healthcare heroes across the country are teaming up and going beyond the call of duty to provide empathetic, high-quality care during a time of great need. Don’t forget to share…
Activate Your Answers: Ready, Set Do!
This is the fifth in a five-part series about demonstrating BOLD leadership during a pandemic transformation from our colleagues at Aveus. Each entry in the series focuses on the characteristics of…
Learning to Find Answers in the Storm
This is the fourth in a five-part series about demonstrating BOLD leadership during a pandemic transformation from our colleagues at Aveus. Each entry in the series focuses on the characteristics of…
COVID-19: What We Know, What We’re Learning and How Healthcare Is Changing
Dr. Terry McInnis, a board-certified physician in preventive medicine and president of Blue Thorn Inc., shares what the healthcare industry knows and is continuing to learn about the novel coronavirus,…
Staying Open or Closing Down is a Choice – The Changing World Cares Not Which You Choose
This is the third in a five-part series about demonstrating BOLD leadership during a pandemic transformation from our colleagues at Aveus. Each entry in the series focuses on the characteristics of…
How to Manage Uncertainty and Anxiety During a Pandemic
The coronavirus has affected more than just our physical well-being—it’s also affecting mental health, as many people grapple with the unknowns surrounding the virus. Don’t forget to share this post!
Believe in Tomorrow – Earn and Give Trust to Help Others Believe
This is the second in a five-part series about demonstrating BOLD leadership during a pandemic transformation from our colleagues at Aveus. Each entry in the series focuses on the characteristics of…
3 Ways to Stay Active Without the Gym
Gyms and community rec centers are closed, but that doesn’t mean you have to let exercise and physical activity fall by the wayside. You can still stay active at home.…
Demonstrating BOLD Leadership During a Pandemic Transformation
How can leaders show up BOLD-ly during a pandemic? Our colleagues with Aveus explore how leaders can navigate effectively during these uncertain times. Don’t forget to share this post!
COVID-19 Reveals the Need for Universal Mental Healthcare
Long after we flatten the curve, Americans will still be dealing with lingering mental health issues. Don’t forget to share this post!
Insights From Terri Kline: Tracking the Coronavirus and Its Implications on Health Plans
Terri Kline, MPH, former president and chief executive officer of Health Alliance Plan, former executive vice president of Henry Ford Health System and current Medecision Advisory Board member, shares her…
Aerial by Medecision Enhancements and Resources for COVID-19
Aerial™ by Medecision has integrated COVID-19-specific enhancements to support clients and their employees on the front lines of managing care during this pandemic. Don’t forget to share this post!
Stressed Out? Relax, There Are Apps for That
The coronavirus has a lot of us on edge, but our smartphones can help us breathe deep, meditate, change mental habits, get a good night’s sleep and more. Don’t forget…
Tips for Managing Life—and Work—at Home
For many employed Americans, the coronavirus pandemic has brought about a new reality. Here’s some advice for doing your job without driving yourself—or your family—crazy. Don’t forget to share this…
Honoring Healthcare Heroes During a Challenging Time
As the world struggles with the coronavirus, our healthcare heroes are going above and beyond, working selflessly for the greater good. Don’t forget to share this post!
Staying Connected From a Distance
Social distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation. Thankfully, we live in the digital era and there are apps to help friends and family stay connected. Don’t forget to share this…
Protecting Vulnerable Groups During a Pandemic
No one is immune from the coronavirus, but low-income and other marginalized groups of people face a higher risk of impact. Don’t forget to share this post!
Doing Our Part to Flatten the Curve
We’re doing our part to flatten the curve and put an end to the coronavirus. Playing our small role—staying home—can have a big impact on lessening the burden on the…
ACMQ President’s Statement Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
A reflection on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from our partners at the American College of Medical Quality. Don’t forget to share this post!
Medecision Update on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Readiness
During this challenging and evolving time, we are providing the following update for our clients on our business operations and how we are engaging to support our clients’ organizations. Don’t…
Medecision’s Preparedness for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, we are sharing information about the steps we’ve taken in response to the crisis. Don’t forget to share this post!
Leveraging Utilization Management to Reduce Medical Loss Ratio Rebates
Medical loss ratio (MLR) rebates hit a record $1.3 billion in 2019 because health plans spent too little on medical claims and too much on administrative costs. How can health…
Make Way for Big Tech Disruption
During a CTO and CIO roundtable discussion at Medecision’s Liberation conference this past year, some of the industry’s brightest technology leaders discussed how modern technology is changing the healthcare landscape.…
Life in the Time of Coronavirus – Impacts on the US Health Consumer
Blog Posts, Cover Story, Featured, Industry Spotlight, Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, PerspectivesBy Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, MA, MHSA
Health economist and trend weaver Jane Sarasohn-Kahn shares insights on how COVID-19 (coronavirus) is impacting Americans’ behavior and spending – and the implications for health systems and plans. Don’t forget…
Reflections From the 2019 Clinical Executive Summit
Participants from the Liberation 2019 Clinical Executive Summit share their insights from the conversation. Don’t forget to share this post!
Developing Evidence-Based Care for Social Determinants of Health
As the healthcare industry shifts to a value-based reimbursement model, healthcare organizations are focusing their attention not just on making patients better—but preventing them from getting sick in the first…
Deb Gage Brings Her Passion for Serving the Community to Role as Board Member for Grand Canyon Conservancy
Deb Gage, Medecision’s President & CEO, brings her business experience and passion for the outdoors to her role as board member. Don’t forget to share this post!
Ending Well: Changing the Stigma About Death
Ellen Dalton, chief marketing and customer experience officer at Medecision, and Shoshana Ungerleider, MD and founder of End Well, discussed mortality and personal empowerment at Medecision’s annual Liberation conference in…
Digital Health Tech Blurs Into Healthcare: Health Plan and Provider Takeaways From CES 2020
Health economist Jane Sarasohn-Kahn shares her takeaways from CES 2020—and explains how digital health technology is blurring into healthcare. Don’t forget to share this post!
Innovations in Digital Health: Highlights From the 2019 Clinical Executive Summit
Dr. Donald Casey, president, American College of Medical Quality, highlights the most thought-provoking insights from the Clinical Executive Summit at Liberation 2019. Don’t forget to share this post!
How Today’s Tech Can Help Us Address Trust, Stress and Health Literacy Issues
Liberation is more than just a philosophy—it’s also about taking action. That’s why this year’s Liberation 2019 was such an exciting event for those eager to identify and actualize strategies…
The Importance of Comprehensive Medication Management
Non-optimized medication regimens cost 275,000 lives and $528 billion every year. The Get the Medications Right Institute (GTMRx) is issuing a call to action and convening a panel of healthcare…
Understanding At-Risk Populations: Treating the Whole Person
High-risk populations often have complicated chronic diseases and behavioral health conditions, and social issues such as employment, food insecurity, lack of transportation and education can have a negative impact on…
Mitigate Compliance Risks by Addressing These Key Documentation and Billing Challenges for Medicaid Managed Care Plans
More state Medicaid programs are now addressing SDOH through managed care plans and Section 1115 demonstration waivers. However, while these Medicaid programs offer states the ability to experiment and innovate…
Medecision and GSI Health Are Better Together
In October 2019, Medecision acquired health delivery system transformation pioneer GSI Health. GSI Health has been an innovator in driving change in the industry since 2003. The GSI Health population…
Healthcare 2020: The Only Certainty Is Uncertainty
The future is uncertain—even with 2020 vision. Jane Sarasohn-Kahn shares key uncertainties about politics, economics, technology and social factors that healthcare stakeholders should keep in mind when planning for the…
Trust Matters: Rebuilding Public Trust in Healthcare Institutions
Public trust in healthcare institutions is ranked as one of the nation’s lowest sectors, according to the Edelman Trust Barometer. We explore how health systems and hospitals can work to…
Improving the Health of Justice-Involved Individuals: How Medicaid Can Help
Some states are working with their Medicaid managed care organizations and community partners to coordinate care for justice-involved individuals prior to release with the goal of improving continuity of care…
A Conference About Dying Taught Me How to Live
A conference about dying brings to light important lessons about living. Don’t forget to share this post!
Automating Compliance in the Cloud
In his “Automating Compliance in the Cloud” session during the CTO Roundtable at Liberation 2019, Gerry Miller, the founder and CEO of Cloudticity, discussed the inherent benefits and challenges of…
Transforming Addiction Treatment by Developing National Standards of Care
Addiction is a national crisis. Deaths from drug overdose, suicide and alcoholic liver diseases—referred to as “diseases of despair”—are at the highest levels in U.S. history. Read one father’s personal…
Change, Transformation and Tribes
Health Evolution CEO Julie Murchinson challenged Liberation attendees to gather with their personal tribes to drive change in the healthcare industry. Don’t forget to share this post!
New Rules From CMS Carry Heavy Weight for Payers
In February 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new requirements for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare Advantage plans and Qualified Health Plans, mandating they…
Being Transparent About Healthcare Transparency: Policy and Politics for Patients
Patients are more responsible for healthcare costs now than ever. And this election season, they’re speaking up about price transparency in the healthcare industry—both with their ballots and their choice…
No Hospital Rooms and Medical ‘Selfies’: Bold Ideas From Dr. Eric Topol at Liberation 2019
Some of the most enthusiastic feedback from this year’s Liberation event came in response to our world-renowned keynote speaker, Eric Topol, MD. Dr. Topol is recognized as one of the…
Listening to Osler Listening to the Patient – How to Liberate Health Care at Liberation 2019
The following blog post is courtesy of Jane Sarasohn-Kahn of healthpopuli.com, one of the featured speakers at the Liberation 2019 event. Don’t forget to share this post!
The Long-Term Impact of Digital Health
Digital health technologies may one day potentially solve some of healthcare’s biggest problems. But big problems require big solutions in order to demonstrate significant Impact on Quality (IoQ). Don’t forget…
Risk Sharing Requires Health Plans to Hone Utilization Management Process
Healthcare organizations’ success under risk sharing and value-based care relies on a well-oiled UM program. Don’t forget to share this post!
Leveraging Standardized Performance Measurement to Optimize Quality Improvement
Quality requires assessment tools that operate in an objective manner. That’s where healthcare performance measurement programs come in. Don’t forget to share this post!
Collaboration Is the New Black for Mental Health and Trust
Managing mental health is critical for achieving desired physical health outcomes. That’s why some companies are partnering with health organizations to make mental health a priority. Don’t forget to share…
Medecision’s New Aerial Experience Gives a 360-Degree View of Integrated Health Management
Medecision’s new Aerial Experience helps care teams engage consumers, improve patient health and drive collaboration. Don’t forget to share this post!
Addressing Social Determinants of Health Can Lead to Better Health Outcomes
Research shows that social determinants of health (SDoH)—such as housing, transportation, access to healthy food and more—are linked to patient outcomes. Managed care organizations are partnering with community and social…
How Health Plans Can Leverage Data to Strengthen Their Population Health Management Programs
Data can help health plans identify medically at-risk members and intervene with the appropriate prevention and wellness programs to keep them as healthy as possible and avoid a costly trip…
Chatting About Bingo: How Partnering With Patients Builds Trust and Healthy Outcomes
Technology can help scale social determinants of health. But to be effective, we must first understand the people with whom we wish to engage. Don’t forget to share this post!
Improving Rural Healthcare Access: My mother-in-law, a 20-mile drive and the reality of healthcare access in rural America
In rural areas, doctors are like a revolving door, rarely staying in one place for long. There are disparities in healthcare access in rural America, but technology may be a…
A Proactive Approach to Consumer Engagement
Healthcare organizations need consumers actively involved in their own care in order to dramatically improve outcomes. As such, healthcare organizations, including health plans, need to forge partnerships with consumers. Don’t…
Concierge Care Management: A Model that Makes Members Happier and Healthier
The concierge care model looks to provide personalized service to health plan members. Don’t forget to share this post!
HITRUST Helps Move Data Security Initiatives Forward
Reports of the industry’s data breaches have been grabbing headlines for several years now. The challenge for healthcare organizations is to go beyond acknowledging vulnerabilities and to do something about…
Managing Clinical Workflow with all the Right Information Tools
To effectively manage care, care team members need to have access to the right information at the right time. Without access to relevant data at the point of decision, however,…
Encountering Hurdles on the Road to Pricing Transparency
When it comes to pricing transparency, the healthcare industry should be in a copasetic state. That’s far from the reality. Don’t forget to share this post!
Access to Comprehensive Data Empowers Health Plans to Improve Medication Management
When patients don’t follow doctors’ orders, the consequences are dire. Health plans can help by understanding the specific challenges that members are facing – and then intervening to enable them…
“Utilization Management” is all about saving health plans money. Or is it?
Until recently, Utilization Management was all about how health plans determine preauthorization. But that definition is fast becoming outdated. Don’t forget to share this post!
Utilization management: What’s it got to do with population health?
What does Utilization Management have to do with Population Health? The answer: everything. Don’t forget to share this post!
Addressing Access to Care Challenges in Rural America
Access to healthcare in rural settings is a true challenge. Americans living in rural areas are more likely to die from five leading causes than their urban counterparts. How should…
Deborah Gage: What it Takes to Have a Fearless Approach
Several years ago at a national healthcare conference, Chris Mahai, now the President of Aveus, a division of Medecision, joined a small breakout group discussion and met Deborah Gage, CEO…
Getting Social: Why Health Plans Need to Go Beyond Clinical and Claims Data
In addition to leveraging claims and clinical data, insurers are now relying on social determinants of health data to paint a better picture of their member populations, create meaningful interventions…
3 Benefits of Participation in BPCI-Advanced
The open window to apply for CMS’ Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI)-Advanced closed on June 24, 2019, but there’s still plenty of opportunity for health systems to move forward with value-based care and care management initiatives — and the care…
Next-Generation Engagement Gets Personal to Drive Better Health
One-to-one transactions do not really constitute holistic engagement. Payers should take a fresh look at what it really means to engage consumers by providing solutions that empower their consumers to…
Health Payers: Moving Beyond the Data Analytics Status Quo
Health plan leaders are recognizing that they need new ways to address a member’s health sooner to prevent them from escalating into poor outcomes that drive great financial risk for…
