20 Jan Health Data News Roundup: ONC Health IT Strategic Plan; AHIP and Social Determinants; and ONC Interop Standards

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 Health IT Strategic Plan Calls for Patient Data Access
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have released the 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan, placing a big focus on patient data access, shopping for case, and health management.

AHIP Signs Onto Support for Social Determinants Accelerator Act
The America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) recently espoused the Social Determinants Accelerator Act and urged a hearing to discuss how it might help the healthcare industry’s fight against social determinants of health barriers.

2017 State Medicaid Spending Rose as Feds Withdrew Funding
As the promise of federal funding slacked in 2017, states put more of their own funds toward their Medicaid programs, with Medicaid spending absorbing 17 percent of overall state-generated funds, according to Pew research.

EHR Data, Claims Data Can Successfully Predict Hospitalizations
Predictive tools using EHR data, claims data, and combined data all possessed similar predictive value when identifying potential hospitalizations in a six month period, according to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care.

Interoperability Standards Advisory Adds 6 Key Updates
After receiving feedback from stakeholders, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) made updates across the sixth edition of the Interoperability Standards Advisory (ISA).

Cigna, Oscar Health Form New Brand for Small Business Plans
Cigna and Oscar Health will be partnering to provide a health plan designed for small businesses that struggle to afford healthcare coverage for their employees, the companies announced.

Why Aren’t More Patients Electronically Accessing Their Medical Records (Yet)?
This recent Health Affairs article tackles the issue of why the number of patients accessing their health records remains low.