09 Sep Health Data News Roundup: The Sequoia Project a TEFCA Recognized Coordinating Entity; Social Determinants and Payers; and Improving EHR Usability

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.

ONC Names the Sequoia Project as TEFCA Recognized Coordinating Entity
ONC has awarded a cooperative agreement to The Sequoia Project to serve as the agency’s Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE), responsible for developing, updating, implementing, and maintaining the Common Agreement portion of TEFCA.

New Alliance Negotiates with Health Plans to Address Social Determinants of Health
In an effort called the first of its kind, the Healthy Alliance Independent Practice Association (IPA) is negotiating with health plans and using IT to connect Medicaid members to organizations that address the social determinants of health.

New AAFP Policy Pushes Payers to Accept Supplemental Data
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Board of Directors has approved a new policy that addresses the inability of some health plans to accept supplemental data from physicians who are participating in value-based contracts.

AHIP Backs Four Options for Long Term Care Reform
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) published its letter to the Federal Interagency Task Force on Long-Term Care Insurance (Task Force) agreeing with their decision to address long-term care insurance (LTCI) and offering suggestions on federal policy options related to LTCI.

Medicare Advantage Payment Cuts Did Not Affect Member Care Access
Contrary to the negative predictions, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries’ access to care and health plan affordability did not change between 2009 to 2017, according to a recent study.

Regenstrief Institute Outlines Ways to Improve EHR Usability
Improving efficiency and EHR usability will require developers and end-users to optimize documentation processes, minimize training requirements, and share best practices, according to the Regenstrief Institute.

Digital Payments May Help Individual Market Premium Collections
A new report highlights four major trends in the individual market related premium collections payment regularity, inbound calls, recurring payments, and mobile solutions.