26 Oct Health Data News Roundup: Data Analytics Key to Star Ratings; ONC Interoperability Rule; and CT to Launch a New HIE

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.

Surveys, Advanced Analytics Key for Member Experience, Star Ratings
As health plans consider how to meet the new Medicare Advantage Star Ratings programs, they will need to design surveys and advanced analytics tools to support their member experience improvement strategies, revealed a report from McKinsey & Company

Average ACA Exchange Premiums Drop for Third Year Running
Although average ACA exchange premiums dropped from plan year 2020 to plan year 2021, they were still higher than in plan year 2017, according to a recent CMS announcement.

Best Practices to Fulfill the ONC Interoperability Rule
With a number of ONC interoperability rule compliance dates on the horizon, providers and health information exchanges will need to make some changes to adapt to these rules.

CAQH Announces Development of National Directory of FHIR Endpoints
Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare, Inc.’s solution will facilitate how health plans, Medicaid agencies and third-party apps find and share technology connections to provide consumers greater access to their healthcare data.

Employer Sponsored 2020 Out-of-Pocket Costs Were Stable Pre-COVID
Employer-sponsored health plans grew more expensive for individuals and families in 2020, the Employer Health Benefits annual Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) survey found.

Proving ROI for Social Determinants of Health Interventions
At Healthy Alliance IPA, outlining return on investment for social determinants of health is key to meeting patient needs and avoiding suffering.

Social Determinants of Health Boosts Hospitalization Estimates
Integrating patient-reported social determinants of health (SDOH) data into the EHR can better identify individuals who are at a high-risk for hospitalization, according to a new JAMA study.

CT Health Information Exchange Set to Launch in November
Following four unsuccessful attempts over the past decade, Connecticut is scheduled to launch its statewide health information exchange (HIE) in November.