13 Apr Health Data News Roundup: Top 10 Payers COVID-19 Efforts; Payers and Innovation; and ONC Interoperability Funding

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.

Top 10 Payers’ Strategies for Broadening Access to COVID-19 Care
Some of the largest payers are covering both coronavirus testing and treatment to deliver broader access to care for those affected by the coronavirus.

3 Ways COVID-19 Is Changing Payer Utilization of Technology
Coronavirus is forcing payers to improve on their existing technologies, develop new technological solutions, and reinforce their telehealth teams.

CMS Finalizes MA and Part D Rates, Leaves ESRD Rule Unchanged
CMS has finalized its Medicare Advantage and Part D rates, including finalizing the disputed Medicare Advantage end-stage renal disease (ESRD) payment rule without changes.

ONC to Award $2 Million in Funding to Promote Interoperability
For the third year in a row, the ONC is notifying private health IT organizations about a funding opportunity that will award a total of $2 million to enhance interoperability.

MGMA Urges ONC to Slow Down Implementation of Strategic Plan
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) wrote a letter advising the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to not move too quickly to implement the proposed 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan.

UCSF Launches Dashboard to Track How Social Determinants Affect Population Health
UC San Francisco developed an interactive population health mapping website that allows users to analyze the effect of factors such as social determinants of health on neighborhood-level health outcomes.

Building Payer-Provider Partnerships for Bundled Payment Models
A bundled payment model born from a payer-provider partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and University Orthopedics has helped deliver a holistic, outpatient delivery of a common operation, ultimately highlighting a move towards value-based reimbursement.