21 Sep Health Data News Roundup: Data Analytics and COVID-19 Health Disparities; MA Plans and Home Healthcare; and NIH Big Data Contracts

Welcome to the Health Data Weekly News Roundup from IMAT Solutions. As the power of data continues to grow in the healthcare arena, today’s care organizations need to be on the forefront of all news and trends to help ensure that their data analytics efforts deliver accountable and informed care. Each week, we will provide you with the actionable news you need to meet these goals.

How Big Data Analytics Can Mitigate COVID-19 Health Disparities
During the COVID-19 pandemic, big data analytics have helped organizations pinpoint and reduce health disparities among patient populations.

CMS Releases Risk Adjustment Advance Notice Early For MA Plans
In the first part of its Advance Notice for calendar year 2022, CMS has proposed completely phasing in the CMS-Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) for Medicare Advantage risk adjustment, finalizing the switch to encounter data.

MA Plan Uses Home Healthcare to Manage Multiple Chronic Diseases
CVS Health’s Aetna is using home healthcare to address chronic disease management for those with multiple chronic diseases, the payer announced.

How to Optimize and Keep Up with the Evolution of Interoperability
Cerner says the evolution of technology has helped it maintain and facilitate interoperability and patient data sharing over the last 40 years.

Two Blues Partner with Providers to Launch New Health Plans
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are joining forces with leading providers to offer new health plans.

Humana Launches Two More Value-Based Program for Specialty Care
Humana is looking to build on its success in transitioning providers and members to value-based care with the announcement of two new models and twelve inaugural participants.

NIH Provides Funding for COVID-19-Related Big Data Projects
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering contracts to seven companies and academic organizations to develop COVID-19-related digital technologies using big data.

Identifying Data Standards for Home Healthcare Data Exchange
Home healthcare facilities should implement and further develop Continuity of Care Document (CCD) standard codes to enhance patient data exchange, according to a new study.