17 Jun Health Data News Roundup: EHR Technology Improves Care Quality; CMS Interoperability Rule and HIEs; and Rethinking ACO Incentives Under MSSP

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.

Nearly 70 Percent of Providers Say EHR Technology Improves Care Quality
New research study suggests that EHR technology may have a relatively positive reputation among healthcare professionals, with nearly 70 percent of surveyed providers reporting that EHR systems improve care quality.

GAO Calls HHS Health IT System High-Risk, Suggests EHR Modernization
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) urged HHS to modernize its 50 year-old health IT system in a report naming the ten federal legacy systems most in need of significant upgrades.

CMS’ Push Will Lead to HIE Progress
CMS’ latest rule on interoperability and patient access needs some tweaking, but the proposals signify a big step forward in promoting interoperability, according to Valerie Grey, Executive Director for the New York eHealth Collaborative.

Epic, Humana Partner to Reduce Prescription Costs for Patients
Epic users now have access to Humana’s Real-Time Benefits Check (RTBC) tool through Epic’s e-prescribing workflow to help patients and providers select the most cost-efficient medications during treatment decisions.

Henry Ford Health System Payer Arm Acquires Detroit Medicaid Plan
Henry Ford Health System and Health Alliance Plan (HAP) will be acquiring Trusted HP – Michigan, a Detroit-based Medicaid plan currently serving nearly 9,000 beneficiaries, the organizations announced.

Anthem Acquires Behavioral Health Group, Focuses on Health Access
Anthem Inc. will be acquiring Beacon Health Options, a behavioral health management company – marking Anthem’s commitment to addressing behavioral health within its beneficiary populations.

Health Policy Researchers’ Analysis: CMS Needs to Rethink ACO Incentives Under MSSP
A team of health policy researchers has analyzed the current set of financial incentives in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and is urging CMS officials to reorganize some of those incentives going forward.