16 Dec Health Data News Roundup: Mergers and Acquisitions for Payers; EHR Reporting and Patient Safety; and Data-Driven Health Networks

Welcome to the Health Data Weekly News Round Up 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.

Mergers and Acquisitions Will Strengthen Payer Identity in 2020
Payers will seek to strengthen their identities in 2020 and they will use mergers and acquisitions as the tools for transformation, according to a recent HRI’s PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report.

How the EHR Reporting Program May Impact Patient Safety and Burden
The EHR reporting program, a new program mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act, has the potential to drive patient safety and improve EHR usability, according to a new report from Pew.

Enrollment and PCP Density Influence Rural Public Payer Premiums
Enrollment and primary care provider density may have more impact on rural healthcare premiums than market concentration, a recent study published in the December issue of Health Affairs found.

AMA: ONC Proposed Rule Leaves Patients’ Data, Privacy Vulnerable
While the American Medical Association supports enabling patient access and sharing of their own electronic healthcare information, the physician group is concerned that a proposed federal rule will put sensitive data at risk.

Providers Build Data-Driven Health Networks for Value-Based Care
As healthcare providers transition from fee-for-service to value-based care, they are better leveraging data to improve quality and health outcomes, as well as lower costs and increase patient satisfaction, according to this recent Health Data Management article.

AHIP Lobbies for Medicaid Managed Care Orgs, Alzheimer’s Patients
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) recently issued an amicus brief in support of states covering MMCO’s health insurance tax.

Want to Improve Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)? Here Are 8 Solutions
Here are some insights from the SDOH panel at the recent Forbes Healthcare Summit in New York City, which offered eight solutions for bringing SDOH to life.