12 Dec Health Data News Roundup: Payers React to Prior Authorization Proposed Rule; NCQA Introduces Quality Compass Exchange Data File; and Payer 2023 Priorities

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.

Payer, Provider Orgs React to Prior Authorization Proposed Rule
Payer and provider organizations are responding positively to the CMS proposed rule that would change the prior authorization process to better support electronic prior authorization.

NCQA Introduces Exchange Plan Quality and Benchmarking Data
NCQA recently introduced the inaugural Quality Compass Exchange Data File, which provides insight into quality improvement and benchmarks through health plan performance data on HEDIS and Pharmacy Quality Alliance measures in the CMS Quality Rating System scoring program.

Behavioral Health Treatment was Associated with Lower Healthcare Costs
Having one or more outpatient behavioral health treatment (OPBHT) visits was associated with lower healthcare costs among patients with newly diagnosed behavioral health conditions, according to a JAMA Network Open study.

ONC: Interoperable Health IT Key for HIV Prevention, Health Equity Efforts
Interoperable health IT can help drive health equity to end the HIV epidemic and support people living with HIV, according to the ONC.

AHA Asks CMS to Halt National Healthcare Provider Directory Operation
The American Hospital Association (AHA) detailed several concerns and requested that CMS not proceed with the proposed national healthcare provider directory, the trade group said in a public comment on the pitch.

4 Strategies for Strengthening the Payer-provider Relationship
Given that providers are under increased pressure from CMS to take on some form of downside risk by 2025, they and health plans can utilize these four strategies to make the transition smoother, according to this recent MedCity News Op-Ed.

4 Top Priorities for Payer Executives Today
Managing price transparency, shifting to value-based care, consolidation and staff shortages are all top priorities for payer executives, as highlighted at the Becker’s Payer Issues Roundtable event in November.