Value-based care is the antidote to health inequities, intractable costs

Medical Economics | July 25, 2024

In the U.S. health system, various determinants and factors such as income, race, education, gender, sexuality, and even zip code significantly influence our health outcomes. These factors affect how healthy we are, the frequency and severity of illnesses, our access to care, and even our life expectancy. Consider these stats: Non-Hispanic Blacks/African Americans have 2.4 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites. The most affluent members of society have an average life expectancy 10 to 15 years greater than the poorest. The rates for each of the 10 leading causes of death in 2019 were higher in rural than in urban areas. Health inequities predominantly manifest along lines of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These inequities stem from underlying disparities in access to healthcare and community resources, influenced by social determinants of health (SDoH) and structural and political determinants.

Electronic Quality Reporting Window Closing on MSSP ACOs: Time for Action Is Now

MedCity News | July 25, 2024

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) face unique burdens to comply with CMS’s new quality reporting requirements as summarized in this 2021 MedCity News article. Challenges are particularly acute for ACOs that delayed conversion from CMS’s Web Interface to the new electronic clinical quality measures (eCQM) quality reporting. Many ACOs have made the change. But many have not. With only six months remaining, now is the time for all ACOs participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) to solidify their eCQM reporting capabilities. ACOs must gather data from all their EHRs and across all patients regardless of payer to comply with eCQM. This article provides clear guidance for MSSP ACOs that have yet to meet the new quality reporting requirements.

Top Tips for Maintaining Solid Nursing Home Star Ratings Amid MDS Changes, CMS’ Bid to Track More Quality Measures

Skilled Nursing News | July 24, 2024

Meticulous documentation is the name of the game for nursing home operators looking to keep up with Minimum Data Set (MDS) changes and maintaining a good rating in the Five-Star Quality Rating System. This is especially because inaccurate or insufficient data could affect a facility for at least a year in the future. Leaders in the nursing home space emphasized the importance of following state-specific coding guidelines for MDS, while also monitoring changes to the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) thresholds, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will track added quality measures. While there aren’t as many upcoming MDS changes to note this year, operators should pay attention to new diagnosis codes.

Deepening Ties for Healthcare Quality

AaNeel | July 26, 2024

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the dynamic between patient and provider is increasingly scrutinized. As technology continues to integrate into everyday healthcare practices, it’s essential to assess whether these tools foster meaningful relationships or if they inadvertently encourage a more transactional approach. Drawing from Adam Grant’s insights on the nature of human connections, this article explores how the healthcare industry, especially technology providers, can cultivate deeper relationships that enrich the quality of care. Consider the differences between transactional and meaningful interactions. For instance, when you call a customer service line to resolve an internet service issue, the interaction is typically scripted and brief. The representative’s goal is to solve your problem efficiently without establishing any deeper connection. Conversely, a teacher who engages with a student throughout a semester builds a relationship that transcends the classroom, tailoring guidance based on individual challenges and strengths.