Accountable Care

Several technology vendors tout solutions that better link provider and patient while lowering dreaded readmissions.

Hospitals are increasingly driven to improve in these areas to avoid reimbursement cuts.

The new Leading Wisely tool combines data analytics from IT systems enterprise-wide to help hospital leaders develop more informed strategies.

American Medical Association and many other groups also suggested that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Seema Verma loosen PQRS and value-based payment requirements.

The consultant, a close ally of Vice President Mike Pence from their days in Indiana, replaces former CMS chief Andy Slavitt, who has been an outspoken opponent of Republican proposals to replace the Affordable Care Act.

Results of two polls published in the past week, from the Kaiser Family Foundation and Pew Research Center, demonstrate growing support for the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.

In an appearance with former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, Boehner says he's skeptical about the prospect of repeal-and-replace, because Republicans "will never, ever agree what the bill should be."

Providers will need to identify ways to cut cost and payers need to be part of the solution.

LHQF and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Louisiana created an HIE registry to keep patients out of the emergency room. 

A new health plan data exchange service from athenahealth offers support its providers who exchange clinical data with payers for quality management, risk adjustment and performance management programs, the company announced Wednesday.