19 Sep Health Data News Roundup: House Passes Electronic Prior Authorization Bill; Health Data and Outcomes; and Anthem Grant

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.

How to Use Digital Health Data to Improve Outcomes
The amount of health information generated by digital tools is rapidly growing, and should be used to improve the quality of care, as highlighted in this recent Harvard Business Review article.

Blue Cross NC’s Value-Based Care Program Saved Significantly Last Year
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina touted major savings thanks to improved outcomes racked up by providers and the insurer through its Blue Premier program that relies heavily on value-based healthcare.

House Passes Bill to Install Electronic Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage Plans
The House passed key legislation that creates an electronic prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and other reforms aimed at a major headache for providers.

OR Introduces Coverage for Mental Health Mobile Crisis Intervention Services
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has approved a proposal from Oregon’s Medicaid program, Oregon Health Plan, to cover community-based substance abuse and mental healthcare mobile crisis intervention services.

Large Employers Aim to Redirect Healthcare Spending, Boost Quality
Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH) has announced a series of goals to help large employers redirect healthcare spending and improve care quality for its members over the next five years.

Incomplete Patient Data Delays Prior Authorization for Specialty Medications
Nearly two-thirds of prescribers report that inaccurate and incomplete patient data is a top challenge to obtaining prior authorization for specialty medications, according to a new survey.

Anthem Grants $150K to Support Substance Use Disorder Services
The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation (Anthem) has provided a three-year grant to the Chris Atwood Foundation to help increase access to stable housing for individuals with substance use disorders.