13 Nov Health Data News Roundup: Medicare ACO and Value-Based Contracts; MA Beneficiaries and Health Outcomes; and Information Blocking Solution

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.

All-Payer Value-Based Contracting in Organizations With Medicare ACOs
According to a new AJMC study, organizations that participate in Medicare ACO models have substantially increased their participation in value-based contracts with other payers.

Care Quality, Health Outcomes Better in Medicare Advantage Than FFS
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries experience higher quality care and better health outcomes than fee-for-service beneficiaries, according to a recent Harvard report.

CMS Proposals Address Anti-Competitive Practices in Medicare Advantage
CMS has proposed provisions to improve protections for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, prevent anti-competitive practices, and strengthen access to behavioral healthcare services.

Why Integrated Datasets Effectively Drive Efficiency, Cost Reduction
The use of multiple forms of data helps take advantage of new strategies for payers and providers in the era of data-driven decision-making, which is driving down costs – according to this recent Health Data Management article.

States Ranked By Number of Medicare Advantage Plans
Ohio has the highest number of Medicare Advantage plans available on average to beneficiaries, while Alaska will have no MA plans in 2024, according to this recent KFF analysis.

Study: Medicare Advantage Doesn’t Hurt Rural Hospitals
Increasing Medicare Advantage enrollment in rural areas did not increase rural hospitals’ financial distress or risk of closing, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Managed Care.

HHS Information Blocking Rule and IMAT’s Data-as-a-Service Solution
The recent HHS proposed rule for information sharing disincentives promotes interoperability and aims to ensure that patient data is readily available to authorized users when and where it is needed, and the IMAT DaaS solution can help.