18 Apr Health Data News Roundup: HHS to Evaluate Provider-Billing Practices; ACO Digital Quality Measurement; and AHIP and the No Surprises Act

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.

White House Evaluating Provider Billing Practices, Medical Bill Collection
In a move signaling its intent to relieve medical debt burden, the Biden White House has said it would task HHS to evaluate provider-billing practices, and how they factor into healthcare affordability and the accumulation of debt.

NAACOS Launches ACO Digital Quality Measurement Task Force
The National Association of ACOs (NAACOS) has launched a new task force to develop recommendations for ACO digital quality measurement.

Payers Cheer CMS Decision on Aduhelm as Push to Lower Part B Premiums Picks Up Steam
Payer groups cheered the Biden administration’s decision to finalize its narrow coverage decision for Biogen’s Aduhelm as attention now turns to efforts to scale back a major hike to Medicare Part B premiums.

UnitedHealthcare Expands Maternal Health Equity Program in NC
UnitedHealthcare announced that it will expand a program to advance maternal health equity in for minority communities in North Carolina.

Blue Cross Personalized Medicine Program Aimed at Customizing Member Treatments
Blue Care Network in Detroit is launching a precision medicine program called Blue Cross Personalized Medicine that leverages pharmacogenomics — or genetic testing — to personalize and tailor medication treatments more effectively.

New AHIP Resource Reflects on First 100 Days of No Surprises Act
AHIP has published a new resource that reflects on the problem of surprise medical bills, the protections included in the No Surprises Act, the impact of the No Surprises Act on state laws, and what’s needed now for continued patient protections.

This New Hospital Cost Tool May Aid Reimbursement Negotiations
The National Academy for State Health Policy has developed a publicly available tool meant to shed light on hospital prices and costs.