AI before AI

Artificial Intelligence

by | Jun 13, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence, New Tech, Partner News

by Tom Herzog, COO of Netsmart

Navigating the Next Era of Tech-Enabled Healthcare

While the talk is about Artificial Intelligence, the immediate opportunity is Augmented Intelligence.

Some thoughts from Tom Herzog and Matthew Arnheiter 

We are living through one of the most exhilarating times in healthcare, a journey made possible by significant milestones over recent decades. As healthcare technologists deeply committed to the cause + communities we serve, we’re excited by the promise of the upcoming era of technological empowerment. This phase is set to showcase and expand upon the extensive work done in digitizing healthcare, highlighting the relentless pursuit of innovation that has characterized our field. In conversations with colleagues and clients, we have recognized the need to explore these developments as we progress collectively. Matthew and I thought a series of reflections on these conversations would be helpful for all of us, providing insights into technology’s transformative impact on healthcare and the critical initiatives currently underway. We envision this dialogue as a series of posts throughout the year, sparking discussion and reflection as we navigate forward.

Back to the Future

In 2015, we envisioned a future where the concept of navigation as we know it would be obsolete, advocating for a universal search that is nearly autonomous, informed by the known context specific to every role. By 2019, we were discussing workflow automation, using the example of Lane Departure Warning systems in automobiles as a metaphor for technology that enhances outcomes through precision responses. The pace at which these technologies are evolving is astounding, moving beyond mere speed of thought to how we can iterate at the speed of innovation itself. Before we achieve the aspirations of true Artificial Intelligence, we must start with Augmented Intelligence, which may very well be the most significant technological innovation in my lifetime.

The Gentle Guidance of Technology: Augmented Intelligence in Healthcare

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Intelligence stand as beacon forces driving innovation forward in this fast-evolving technology landscape. Drawing an analogy to driver assistance systems in modern vehicles, we explore the nuanced differences between these concepts, simplifying their understanding and underscoring the distinct roles in enhancing human capabilities.

Artificial Intelligence: The Autonomous Navigator

Imagine AI as the driving force behind fully autonomous vehicles, adeptly navigating complex terrains without human intervention. This epitomizes the grand aspiration of AI: to emulate or even transcend human Intelligence in specific tasks, thus granting machines the ability to function independently. It’s a prospect that is as exhilarating as it is intimidating, reminiscent of scenarios depicted in futuristic films. Such advancements bring to light profound questions about the limits of technology and the ethical considerations it entails. While we marvel at the potential, apprehension about the unknown shadows our enthusiasm. As we venture into this era, it’s imperative that we tread thoughtfully, balancing our ambitions with caution, as we unlock new realms of possibilities. Together, we must navigate this journey towards outcomes that are not only innovative but also meaningful and ethically sound.

Augmented Intelligence: The Co-Pilot’s Nudge

Conversely, Augmented Intelligence mirrors the driver assistance systems in vehicles – providing “nudges” or guidance while ensuring the driver remains in control. These systems bolster safety and efficiency, complementing human Intelligence with technological support. This partnership epitomizes the collaborative synergy between technology and human skills for a safer and more efficient driving experience.

The American Medical Association (AMA) aligns with this vision, emphasizing Augmented Intelligence’s role in enhancing human Intelligence rather than replacing it. The AMA advocates for the use of AI in healthcare as a means to augment the capabilities of medical professionals, not to substitute their critical thinking or clinical judgment.

Augmented Intelligence in Healthcare: Enhancing the User’s Ability

Reflecting on the transition from conceptual frameworks to tangible applications, we’ve initiated the Augmented Intelligence family. These solutions are meticulously designed to support clinical, operational, and financial workflows across all healthcare roles. Aimed at simplifying user experiences, these tools provide the best available context and automate information for validation and use as needed. This initiative marks a significant step in harnessing the potential of augmented Intelligence, enabling transformative shifts in healthcare practices and outcomes.

Michelle Donelan MP, reflecting on the U.K.’s commitment to AI in healthcare, highlights the transformative impact of augmented Intelligence, “AI will revolutionize the way we live, including our healthcare system. That is why we’re backing the U.K.’s fantastic innovators to save lives by boosting the frontline of our NHS and tackling the major health challenges of our time”. Donelan’s statement emphasizes the government’s support for utilizing AI to enhance healthcare delivery and address pressing health issues.

Augmented Intelligence promises to extend the partnership between human capabilities and technological advancement to medical professionals. Vincent Liu, MD, from Kaiser Permanente, elucidates this synergy, stating,

“There is a stage at which regulations can stifle some of the innovation [that AI might advance] … There is a role for providing a safe harbor [from certain regulations] so that we can use our best data to improve our patients’ care.”

This perspective underscores the potential of augmented Intelligence to enrich patient care by integrating comprehensive data analysis within the regulatory framework.

From the inception of conversations at our annual user conferences in the early 2000s to the present, we’ve witnessed the evolving landscape of healthcare technology. The decades-long journey of healthcare digitization has set the stage for today’s advancements, where Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Intelligence solutions leverage data to significantly improve care and operational efficiency.

Navigating Ethical Considerations

The integration of Augmented Intelligence in healthcare navigates through a maze of ethical considerations. Upholding the sanctity of the caregiver-patient relationship, ensuring patient privacy, and addressing potential biases in AI algorithms are paramount. The objective is to leverage Augmented Intelligence in a manner that respects these ethical boundaries while enhancing patient benefits.

A Future of Collaborative Care

Looking ahead, the promise of healthcare augmented by Intelligence offers a landscape where clinicians are equipped with unprecedented tools and information. This era does not diminish the essence of human judgment or the significance of the human touch in medicine but serves as a potent ally to these irreplaceable elements of care.

A Journey of Human-Machine Collaboration

Augmented Intelligence in healthcare symbolizes the collaboration between human Intelligence and artificial capabilities. This collaboration is not about relinquishing control but about enriching human expertise to tackle modern healthcare challenges. As we continue to integrate this technology, it heralds a future where healthcare is more personalized, predictive, and precise. The path forward, illuminated by the gentle guidance of Augmented Intelligence, promises a realm of endless potential for improved health outcomes for all.

Our immediate focus is three-fold 1) providing the communities we serve with the benefits of  Augmented Intelligence, 2) ensuring we achieve Meaningful AI for every role, and 3) doing so through incremental progress so that AI now is a reality.

Final Thoughts

If you are reading this, you are likely one of the pioneers helping forge the path we are on today. If it were not for the initial efforts to digitize the ecosystem, we would not be talking about this today. Thank you for making this happen, for your perseverance and tenacity to find a way. Now we are at the transition from AI as a futuristic concept to its current role in shaping healthcare practices marks a remarkable chapter in the ongoing story of innovation in healthcare. It reaffirms the importance of digitization as the foundation upon which AI and other emerging technologies are built, enabling a future where healthcare is more informed, more empowered, and, ultimately, more human.

# # #

Augmented intelligence Tom HerzogTom Herzog is responsible for leading solution and technology strategies focused on person-centric design to optimize workflow, efficiencies and outcomes. His teams work in collaboration with both clients and partners to deliver comprehensive solutions for the human services and post-acute care communities.

Tom oversees multiple business units, including Netsmart consulting organization, solutions, development, engineering, technology, innovation, product development, IT, support, human resources, legal and operational functions.

Tom’s additional experience includes leading teams to automate systems and integrate financial, document management and information systems. He has been recognized for his ability to create innovative approaches and strategies that deliver results through vision and building strong teams.

Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and human relations from Mid-America Nazarene University. He serves on the boards of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and the United Community Services of Johnson County.

Advocacy Continues on Capitol Hill

Partner News

by | Jun 13, 2024 | Partner News

ROAD TO THE TELEHEALTH “SUPER BOWL”: ATA ACTION CAPITOL HILL DRIVE

WASHINGTON, DC, JUNE 12, 2024 – ATA Action, the American Telemedicine Association’s affiliated trade association focused on advocacy, hosted its 2nd annual Hill Day, bringing nearly two dozen ATA Action members to Capitol Hill for meetings with Congressional leaders to discuss top federal telehealth policy priorities. ATA Action members underscored the ATA and ATA Action playbook for comprehensive, permanent telehealth reform, including passage of the CONNECT for Health Act  (H.R. 4189, S. 2016), the Telehealth Modernization Act (HR 7623, S.3967) and the Advancing Access to Telehealth Act (HR 7711).

“This well-timed Hill Day accomplished our goal, to keep telehealth access front-and-center in the minds of our Congressional champions and underscore the urgent need for Congress to act now to give patients and providers certainty about the continued availability of telehealth services,” said Kyle Zebley, senior vice president, public policy, the ATA and executive director, ATA Action. “We continue to hammer home the fact that access to telehealth is essential for delivering safe, effective, quality care to all individuals, including those in rural and underserved communities, as part of a modernized healthcare system.

“As we continue to seek permanent access to virtual care services, we remain grateful to the unwavering bipartisan, bicameral support for appropriate and necessary policies to ensure citizens have access to often life-saving telehealth services, when and where they need it. But the clock is ticking. We need Congress to act now, so that appropriate telehealth policies are implemented in a timely manner without arbitrary and unnecessary barriers to care such as in-person, brick-and-mortar, or geographic requirements,” Zebley added. “We are also eager to see our Senate champions act on these important telehealth policies.”

ATA Action members participating in Hill Day included a diverse range of organizations advocating for telehealth. Members of ATA Action’s Patient Voices for Telehealth Coalition also joined Hill Day meetings.

About ATA ActionTelemedicine Advocacy

ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).

#     #     #

CONTACT:

Gina Cella
gcella@americantelemed.org
t: 781-799-3137

ATA Partners with West Health Institute

Partner News

by | Jun 13, 2024 | Partner News

ATA West Health<br />
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

 

Gina Cella
gcella@americantelemed.org
t: 781-799-3137

AMERICAN TELEMEDICINE ASSOCIATION JOINS WEST HEALTH INSTITUTE’S COLLABORATIVE FOR TELEHEALTH AND AGING

WASHINGTON, DC, JUNE 11, 2024 – The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) today announced it has joined the Collaborative for Telehealth and Aging (C4TA), an initiative led by the West Health Institute (WHI). The ATA will serve as an Advisor to the C4TA, which is committed to accelerating the adoption of telehealth to meet the needs of seniors. WHI is a non-profit medical research organization dedicated to lowering healthcare costs and engaged in applied medical research and improving healthcare delivery for older Americans.

“The ATA has long been a proponent of using telehealth and virtual care technologies to better care for our aging population, not just to live longer, but to live better, to support our caregivers and improve our healthcare system to benefit all stages of life,” said Ann Mond Johnson, CEO, the ATA. “We are pleased to join the C4TA to accelerate the adoption of telehealth to meet the needs of seniors and enable individuals to remain vital, engaged and independent through their later years, and create a better health system for everyone.”

C4TA was established in 2021 by West Health, the University of Virginia, and the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center to gather experts from health systems, academic institutions, member organizations, and non-profit foundations focused on aging to develop and provide guidelines implementation tools for using telehealth with older adults.

“We are proud to welcome the American Telemedicine Association among the more than 35 national organizations joining our mission to enhance telehealth services for older adults,” says Dr. Zia Agha, Chief Medical Officer of West Health Institute. “Together, alongside experts in geriatrics, telehealth, and patient advocacy, collaborative members have established vital principles and guidelines to ensure equitable, accessible, and integrated remote care options. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to improving the well-being of older adults across the nation.”

The ATA’s Healthy Aging Collaborative is a member forum focused on identifying and pursuing opportunities to make an impact on the daily life of our aging population through policy guidance and the use of technologies to ease the burden of communications, social isolation, and whole person care management. The ATA Healthy Aging Collaborative hosts quarterly webinars, providing insights and education for the broader community. The group recently published a report, Leveraging Telehealth to Support Caregivers and Those They Care For.

About the ATA

As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading healthcare delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models.

#  #  #

WellSky® and Ava Launch Groundbreaking Solution to Combat Staffing Crisis for Home-Based Care Agencies

Partner News

by | May 30, 2024 | Partner News

Provided by Business Wire

WellSky® and Ava Launch Groundbreaking Solution to Combat Staffing Crisis for Home-Based Care Agencies

The new innovation helps improve healthcare employee retention and engagement through incentive-based rewards

WellSky, a leading health and community care technology company, today announced the release of WellSky TeamEngage powered by Ava, a new innovation for home-based care providers aimed at increasing employee retention, reliability, and recruitment through gamification. The solution incentivizes and rewards caregivers for completing targeted activities and achieving performance goals, fostering a culture of appreciation while improving staff retention rates and agency differentiation.

WellSky TeamEngage

The solution comes at a time when home-based care providers face a growing workforce shortage crisis. The turnover rate for home care providers is 77%, challenging agencies to meet a growing demand for services with a shrinking supply of caregivers. This can result in higher rates of referral and client case rejection. With WellSky TeamEngage, agencies can implement customizable, data-driven incentives to attract and retain talent at scale, while shifting focus toward other operational priorities and providing exceptional care.

Using WellSky and Ava’s integrated technology, Griswold — one of the country’s largest home care franchises with more than 170 locations in 32 states and over 9,000 caregivers — reduced the turnover rate in its eight company-owned offices by 13% in just seven months and helped a large majority of caregivers reach key goals, such as clocking in and out on time and meeting minimum weekly hour requirements. The company has since rolled out the technology to its franchise network and expects significant adoption.

“We have seen tremendous benefit from using WellSky TeamEngage powered by Ava, both in the retainment of talented staff members and in the differentiation of our agency,” said Caitlin Griffith, Director of People & Culture at Griswold. “Our organization believes that care professionals are the foundation of our success, with innovation being key to improving the lives of those we serve. We have been pleased with the adoption and staff satisfaction with the solution, and we look forward to further benefiting from a comprehensive set of insights to guide our approach to workforce engagement strategies.”

Ava acts as an AI-powered Chief Engagement Officer

Its average customer improves employee retention rates by 45% in six months. Ava improves employee engagement so healthcare providers and administrators can redirect attention to scaling their businesses. Now in partnership with WellSky, the organizations will extend this technology to providers across the U.S., with the Ava platform integrated within WellSky electronic health records (EHR) technologies and the WellSky TeamInsights solution. TeamEngage will provide a comprehensive flow of data between systems and a seamless end-user experience.

“Ava works to remove the burden of administrative work and reconnect caregivers and home care administrators with why they chose a healthcare career in the first place,” said Victor Hunt, chief executive officer and co-founder of Ava. “We are excited to lend Ava’s Enterprise AI technologies to TeamEngage and, in doing so, tackle one of the greatest crises facing healthcare.”

Leveraging data directly from WellSky Personal Care

WellSky TeamEngage incorporates specific caregiver actions, such as taking open shifts and performing timely clock-ins, into the agency’s defined incentive model, which stores all actions and awards points that caregivers can redeem for monetary or other agency-defined rewards. These day-to-day behaviors combined with pulse survey results, gamified referrals, and other engagement metrics are all tracked within WellSky TeamInsights for Personal Care, where powerful algorithms help predict caregiver turnover risk to proactively guide retention strategies.

“The staffing crisis facing our clients and the industry at large is a major concern, both for people seeking care in the home and for agencies trying to meet that need,” said Wes Little, chief analytics officer at WellSky. “We are thrilled to bring WellSky TeamEngage to our clients to not only provide them a tool to incentivize and reward caregivers, but to also gain the insights needed to run their operations at scale in today’s challenging environment.”

To learn more about how WellSky is powering agency staff retention and engagement, visit WellSky.com.

About WellSky®

Wellsky and AvaWellSky is one of America’s largest and most innovative healthcare technology companies leading the movement for intelligent, coordinated care. Our proven software, analytics, and services power better outcomes and lower costs for stakeholders across the health and community care continuum. In today’s value-based care environment, WellSky helps providers, payers, health systems, and community organizations scale processes, improve collaboration for growth, harness the power of data analytics, and achieve better outcomes by further connecting clinical and social care. WellSky serves more than 20,000 client sites — including the largest hospital systems, blood banks, cell therapy labs, home health and hospice franchises, post-acute providers, government agencies, and human services organizations. Informed by more than 40 years of providing software and expertise, WellSky anticipates clients’ needs and innovates relentlessly to build healthy, thriving communities. For more information, visit wellsky.com.

About Ava

Wellsky and AvaAva is an enterprise AI platform helping healthcare providers streamline administrative busywork so that they can get back to care. In an industry where employee engagement and retention are crucial yet increasingly challenging to maintain, Ava provides an effective AI-driven solution that’s beneficial for clients, caregivers, and providers. Integrating seamlessly with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Ava offers an engaging experience for caregivers and clinicians while providing administrators with a robust suite of tools for business intelligence, employee management, and gamified incentives. For more information, visit joinava.com.

WellSky Media Contact
Emma Neal
Phone: 617.401.3131
Email: emma.neal@allisonworldwide.com

Ava Media Contact
Deanna Carbone
Phone: 914.523.7865
Email: ava@hirschleatherwood.com

House Ways and Mean Unanimously Extends Telehealth Flexibilities

Partner News

by | May 10, 2024 | Partner News, Telehealth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATA ACTION APPLAUDS HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE FOR UNANIMOUSLY ADVANCING A TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF MANY CRITICAL TELEHEALTH FLEXIBILITIES

WASHINGTON, DC, MAY 8, 2024 – ATA Action, an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), applauds the House Ways and Means Committee for their proactive approach in unanimously advancing a two-year telehealth extension. This extension will maintain many of the current Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of calendar year 2026, demonstrating the Committee’s commitment to telehealth.

“While we prefer Medicare telehealth flexibilities be made permanent, we understand the dynamics and applaud the Committee for a two-year extension of many of the critical flexibilities without arbitrary and unnecessary guardrails such as in-person requirements,” said Kyle Zebley, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, the ATA and Executive Director, ATA Action. “This is a clear sign that our bipartisan telehealth supporters are at work, determined not to leave the American people without access to safe, effective, quality healthcare where and when they need it. But this is not over yet. There will be additional markups and other committees need to weigh in, as we continue to push for telehealth permanency.”

Specifically, ATA Action is supportive of the bill extending the following telehealth provisions:

  • Geographic and originating-site waivers
  • Ability for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) to continue to furnish telehealth services
  • Expanded list of eligible Medicare providers, allowing Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologies, and Audiologists to render telehealth services
  • Ability to offer audio-only services
  • Repeal of telemental health in-person requirement
  • Preservation of the Acute Hospital Care at Home Program through CY2029

“We hope this action by the Ways and Means Committee will push Congress to enact this legislation soon to provide certainty for patients and providers across the country and allow U.S. healthcare systems enough time to implement appropriate virtual tools, technologies, programs, and processes moving forward,” Zebley added. “We support additional telehealth priorities that have not yet been acted upon, including the remote prescribing of controlled substances, which were not included in the legislative proposal. We believe, if left omitted, this would lead to a tremendous gap in care.”

“ATA Action is available as a resource and looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to ensure that the appropriate telehealth policies are implemented in a timely manner without arbitrary and unnecessary barriers to care such as in-person, brick and mortar, or geographic requirements,” Zebley said.

About ATA Action

ATA Action recognizes that telehealth and virtual care have the potential to transform the healthcare delivery system by improving patient outcomes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of care, addressing health disparities, and reducing costs. ATA Action is a registered 501c6 entity and an affiliated trade organization of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).

#  #  #

CONTACT:

Gina Cella
gcella@americantelemed.org
t: 781-799-3137

© The Rowan Report. For information on publishing this or any other press release, please contact editor@therowanreport.com

Axxess’ AGILE 2024 was a Massive Success

Partner News

by | Apr 26, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:       Johnathan Eaves
(903) 445-6969
jeaves@axxess.com

Axxess’ AGILE 2024 Was a Massive Success

DALLAS, April 25, 2024 – Axxess’ AGILE 2024 conference was a resounding success, with an unprecedented number of industry leaders, innovators and professionals coming together to explore the latest trends, exchange ideas and foster collaboration.

More than 50 partners supported AGILE (Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience) with sponsorships of the three-day event, which attracted several hundred industry leaders, including C-suite executives, clinical leaders, operational and financial managers, industry investors and strategic advisors.

“The AGILE conference exemplifies our commitment to fostering growth, driving innovation and empowering leaders as we revolutionize the healthcare industry and pave the way for a future where quality care thrives in the confines and comfort of our homes,” said John Olajide, founder and CEO of Axxess, the leader in technology supporting care at home providers. “The feedback we’ve received on this year’s conference is truly inspiring, and we are already hard at work to make next year’s event a transformative experience, introducing new dimensions of knowledge, collaboration and inspiration.”

The conference formally began with a keynote address from healthcare innovator and futurist Nick Webb, who spoke on megatrends impacting the care at home industry, from emerging technologies to patient experience and staffing.

“The experience always wins,” he told the audience. “Patients and their families want friction freedom, they want speed, they want transparency, they want genuine, authentic empathy, they want this to be painless.”

The event included a day-long Leadership Forum attended by industry leaders who participated in high-level conversations about business operations, advocacy and insights on the state of mergers and acquisitions with key leaders in care at home, finance and public policy.

The value of technology was emphasized in a later panel discussion on embracing risk to reimagine healthcare, featuring Kim King, CEO of Home Care Network.

“We’ve found arming our staff with technology that allows them to do a virtual visit allows an aide to work at the high end of what they’re able to do so that they can give real information back to a clinician,” King said. “If we need to take it to the next step and get a virtual visit with a physician [or] arrange transportation to get somewhere, that makes all the difference in the world.”

Annie Erstling, Chief Operating Officer at Forcura, urged attendees to rethink their relationship with technology companies.

“You should lean on your technology partners,” Erstling said. “They should be real partners and they should keep you abreast of what’s the latest and greatest.”

Along with keynote speakers, panels and industry-specific education sessions offering continuing education credits, AGILE also included an Innovation Showcase featuring the latest developments to improve operations from Axxess partners, a GUIDE to dementia, which enabled participants to experience what those living with dementia go through each day, and a CPR training course where participants learned how to properly perform life-saving, hands-only CPR.

# # #

About Axxess

Axxess is the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, focused on solving the most complex industry challenges. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 5 million patients worldwide, Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use software solutions that empower home health, home care, hospice, and palliative providers to make healthcare in the home human again. Multiple independent certifications have confirmed that Axxess has the most secure and industry-compliant software available for providers. The company’s collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a “Best Place to Work.”

Leadership Changes at HHAeXchange

Partner News

by | Apr 18, 2024 | Partner News

HHAeXchange Names Scott Schwartz as Chief Operating Officer, Announces New Senior Vice President of Product

New appointments highlight the company’s commitment to equipping providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid agencies with solutions that enable more effective homecare

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2024 – HHAeXchange, a leading provider of homecare management solutions for providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid agencies, today announced that Scott Schwartz, formerly Chief Revenue Officer, has been appointed to Chief Operating Officer, and Lori Harrington has joined the team as Senior Vice President of Product.

After serving as Chief Revenue Officer, Senior Vice President, and Vice President of Sales & Marketing at HHAeXchange for nearly seven years, Scott Schwartz will step into a new role as Chief Operating Officer. In his new position, Schwartz will lead implementation, revenue cycle operations, integrations, technical customer care, training, and customer education. Bringing these functions under Schwartz’s leadership will evolve operations to enable more effective services and solutions.

“Over the past seven years, Scott has been integral in establishing HHAeXchange as the leader in homecare software through helping nearly 10,000 homecare provider agencies leverage technology and spearheading our robust Partner Connect program,” said Paul Joiner, Chief Executive Officer at HHAeXchange. “As we work to expand our platform and create better solutions for homecare providers and payers, Scott’s top priority will be driving operational excellence and delivering an improved end-to-end client experience.”

In addition to the appointment of Schwartz as COO, the company has announced Lori Harrington as the new Senior Vice President of Product. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, Harrington brings an extensive healthcare product strategy and management background to the organization. In her most recent role, Harrington served as Vice President of Product Management for Teladoc, where she led product strategy for value-based care initiatives and was instrumental in developing a client innovation hub for strategic health plan clients, creating a streamlined experience for clients based on their emerging needs.

“Lori’s deep understanding of healthcare and her customer-centric approach will be crucial in advancing our product solutions to serve providers and payers better,” said Tim Brewer, Chief Technology Officer at HHAeXchange. “With her vast experience, Lori will play a pivotal role in driving product evolution and execution, improvements to our current products, and delivering solutions that meet the evolving demands of our customers and the homecare industry to ultimately provide better customer satisfaction.”

As aging populations across the country continue to increase and more members express a preference for homecare, these new appointments will advance HHAeXchange’s commitment to setting new industry standards that enable providers, caregivers, payers, and families to deliver the best care in the home.

For more information about HHAeXchange and its executive team, please visit hhaexchange.com/leadership and follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

# # #

About HHAeXchange

Founded in 2008, HHAeXchange is the leading technology platform for homecare and self-direction program management. Developed specifically for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS), HHAeXchange connects state agencies, managed care organizations, providers, and caregivers through its intuitive web-based platform, enabling unparalleled communication, transparency, efficiency, and compliance. To learn more information, visit hhaexchange.com or follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

HealthRev Partners Launches Velocity as a SAAS, Transforming Revenue Cycle Management for the Home Health and Hospice Industry

Partner News

by | Apr 4, 2024 | Partner News

For Immediate Release

Contact Information:
HealthRev Partners
866-780-3554
connect@healthrevpartners.com

HealthRev Partners Launches Velocity as a SAAS, Transforming Revenue Cycle Management for the Home Health and Hospice Industry

Velocity SaaSMeta: Discover how HealthRev Partners’ innovative SAAS solution, Velocity, is transforming revenue cycle management in the healthcare industry. Gain insights into its key advantages, AI capabilities, and data exchange interface engine feature set. Learn how Velocity empowers agencies with transparency, efficiency, scalability, and security to enhance profitability and operational excellence. Contact HealthRev Partners for a demo and revolutionize your revenue cycle management today.

Ozark, MO – April 1st, 2024 – HealthRev Partners, a leading innovator in healthcare technology, has announced the launch of Velocity as a Software as a Service (SAAS), revolutionizing revenue cycle management in the home health, hospice, and palliative care industries. This game-changing solution is designed to transform revenue cycle management (RCM) for multi-site agencies. In an era where the aging population in America increasingly desires to age in place, mergers and acquisitions in the home health space are driving the necessity for centralized data and operational processes. The trend of overseas hiring to reduce costs has created gaps in insights, emphasizing the critical need for real-time data to impact care promptly.

Michael Greenlee, Founder and CEO of HealthRev Partners, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “Velocity as a SAAS represents a significant leap forward in revenue cycle management technology. By offering agencies unprecedented insights into their operations and empowering them with tools for optimization and growth, HealthRev Partners is setting a new standard in RCM solutions.”

Empowering Multi-Site Agencies and Enhancing Management Insights

As multi-site agencies navigate the complexities of managing diverse locations and teams, the demand for comprehensive insights and seamless integration becomes critical. HealthRev Partners recognizes this challenge and introduces Velocity as a SAAS to address the evolving needs of growing agencies. With a focus on providing real-time analytics and enhancing operational efficiency, Velocity bridges the gap between disparate locations and centralizes data for streamlined management.

Seamless Integration with Any EHR System

A key component of Velocity is the data exchange interface engine feature set. The ability to connect, integrate, translate, and import financial, claims, coding, clinical, operational, EHR, clearinghouse, and diverse data sets is vital for any organization. Velocity uses its proprietary interface technology engine along with robotic processing technology (RPA) to connect all disparate data sets within Velocity resulting in actionable data at your fingertips.  

AI Capabilities to Increase Coding Accuracy

Velocity harnesses AI capabilities to automatically assign charts to coding professionals, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. By leveraging artificial intelligence, it streamlines the ICD-10 coding process and provides intelligent suggestions for selecting codes at the highest level of specificity to maximize reimbursement. Additionally, it utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze data and offer insights into PDGM-approved primary codes and comorbidity adjustment categories. Furthermore, Velocity’s AI-driven system assists in risk and comorbidity adjustments by recommending compatible code combinations and presenting primary and secondary code sets to facilitate precise coding decisions.

Key Advantages of Velocity:

  • Increased Transparency and Visibility: Real-time insights into all aspects of the revenue cycle across multiple sites. Identify bottlenecks, track productivity, and optimize operations seamlessly.
  • Enhanced Efficiency and Accuracy: Streamlined processes and standardized procedures that ensure consistency across all locations. Improve accuracy in coding, claim submission, and reimbursement.
  • Improved Communication and Collaboration: Facilitate real-time data sharing between clinical, financial, and operational teams at different sites. Enhance collaboration and decision-making.
  • Scalability and Security: Easily scale operations to accommodate growth needs while maintaining top-tier data security standards. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across all locations.

Michelle Mullins, MHA, BSN, RN – Partner & Chief Operating Officer of HealthRev Partners, highlighted the transformative impact of Velocity by stating, “Velocity illuminates your RCM’s path to predictable revenue. It empowers agencies with granular insights, customizable control, streamlined operations, and trustworthy security. This tool is not just a solution; it’s a revolution in revenue cycle management.”

The launch of Velocity as a SAAS marks a pivotal moment for agencies seeking to optimize their revenue cycle processes. With its focus on transparency, efficiency, communication, scalability, and security features, Velocity is poised to reshape how agencies manage their RCM operations.

# # #

For more information about Velocity as a SAAS or to schedule a demo, visit HealthRev Partners’ website.https://healthrevpartners.com/ 

Viventium Releases 2024 Caregiver Onboarding Experience Report

Partner News

by | Apr 3, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Viventium Releases its 2024 Caregiver Onboarding Experience Report, Demonstrating a Need to Raise the Bar for Onboarding in the Post-Acute Care Industry

| Source: Viventium

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., April 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viventium, the leading SaaS-based human capital management platform serving the post-acute care industry, released its 2024 Caregiver Onboarding Experience Report, a comprehensive research study analyzing survey responses from 175 post-acute care administrators and 220 caregivers. The report finds a shockingly low bar for what passes as a “good” onboarding experience in home-based and facility/community-based care, with strong indications that raising that bar could correlate to higher retention rates.

“Staffing shortages and high turnover rates within post-acute care are recurring issues in need of solutions,” said Navin Gupta, Viventium CEO. “Our research illuminates a crucial pathway towards addressing these persistent challenges, and it begins with onboarding.”

Findings point to post-acute care managers and administrators having a major impact on the steps their organization can take to better engage, motivate, and retain its caregiving staff.

William A. Dombi, Esq., President and CEO of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), provided his take on the report:

“The study significantly advances our knowledge of what it takes to recruit and retain caregivers in today’s highly competitive workforce market. The onboarding process is fully within the control of the employer, and the study shows that doing it right pays dividends. Most notably, many of the elements of successful onboarding are simple improvements in the process that bring a real return on investment. I would encourage all of home care to learn from this study.”

The full report is published on Viventium’s website.

# # #

About Viventium
Viventium provides a SaaS-based human capital management solution that is focused on the post-acute care industry. The company’s mission is to enrich the lives of caregivers through technology so they love going to work every day. By providing specialized software and expert guidance, Viventium helps its clients throughout the lifecycle of each caregiver. The company has clients in all 50 states and supports over 420,000 client employees each year.

For more information about Viventium, visit https://www.viventium.com or follow @viventium on LinkedIn and X.

Contact:
press@viventium.com

This press release was issued by Globe Newswire and was reprinted on April 3, 2024 on The Rowan Report.

Stakeholders React to DEA TeleHealth Rule

Partner News

by | Apr 2, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

STAKEHOLDERS SEND LETTER TO DEA URGING ACTION ON TELEHEALTH RULE CRUCIAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

WASHINGTON, DC, APRIL 2, 2024 – The Alliance for Connected Care, the American Telemedicine Association, ATA Action, the Consumer Technology Association, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and the Partnership to Advance Virtual Care, co-leading the effort, submitted a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requesting the expedited release of a revised proposed rule to permit and regulate the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth. The letter was signed by 214 stakeholders. Current flexibilities allowing for the remote prescribing of controlled substances are set to expire at the end of this year, necessitating regulatory action to ensure their continuation.

Stakeholders praised the DEA for their leadership and actions taken to ensure continued patient access to care be delivered through telemedicine in advance of the final telemedicine regulations expiring at the end of this year. The letter also urged DEA to propose the updated rules immediately for the following reasons:

  • To ensure stakeholders have adequate time to provide feedback on any policy proposal.
  • If DEA were to create a special registration process for telehealth prescribers, as proposed by DEA and many stakeholders, substantial operational lead-time would be needed to implement the new process and comply with other potential operational requirements and guardrails.
  • A rulemaking late in the year that makes significant policy changes would affect the ability of patients and clinicians to make appointments and ensure consistent access to care.
  • There will be operational staff training needs for pharmacies and other parts of the healthcare delivery system to ensure patients uninterrupted access to needed medical treatments offered through telehealth.
  • DEA’s national leadership is needed to set a clear path forward for the nation and to encourage more consistent definitions and aligned requirements from state regulatory bodies – to encourage care in our most underserved areas, without geographic barriers limiting access to care.

To read a full copy of the stakeholder letter: Stakeholder Letter Urging DEA to Issue a Proposed Rule on Remote Prescribing of Controlled Substances

#     #     #

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Gina Cella, American Telemedicine Association
gcella@americantelemed.org
t: 781-799-3137

Rikki Cheung, Alliance for Connected Carerikki.cheung@connectwithcare.org t: 972-302-3279

Jim Fellinger, Consumer Technology Association
jfellinger@cta.tech

Rachel Stauffer, Partnership to Advance Virtual Carerstauffer@mcdermottplus.comt: 202-204-1460

Albe Zakes, HIMSSalbe.zakes@himss.orgt: 312-912-6757

Innovation Taking Center Stage at ATA Nexus 2024

Partner News

by | Mar 28, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        

INNOVATION TAKING CENTER STAGE AT ATA NEXUS 2024: 12 FINALISTS PRESENTING LIVE AT ATA TELEHEALTH INNOVATORS CHALLENGE

ATA Nexus Annual Conference, May 5-7, Phoenix, AZ

 WASHINGTON, DC, MARCH 28, 2024 – The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) today announced the 12 finalists who will be presenting live at the Telehealth Innovators Challenge, where the future of healthcare meets creativity and innovation, at ATA Nexus 2024, May 5-7 in Phoenix, AZ. The ATA Telehealth Innovators Challenge is an exclusive opportunity for early-stage virtual care developers to showcase their novel solutions in front of key stakeholders, investors and decision-makers driving the future of healthcare.

The 12 innovators presenting in the final round of the Telehealth Innovators Challenge will highlight the latest digital health innovations to help eliminate gaps in access to care:

Femtech and Women’s Health:

  • Leva Pelvic Health System – Axena Health
  • Nest Collaborative
  • The Future of Maternal Care – Bloomlife

In-patient Care Solutions:

  • Oshi Health Virtual GI Center of Excellence
  • ThinkAndor – Andor Health
  • DermEngine AI-Powered Care Coordination – MetaOptima Technology, Inc.

The Patient Experience:

  • Vori Health
  • The TeleDentists
  • ThriveLink (formerly Nutrible)

Tools That Deliver Care:

  • CardioSignal
  • Alio Remote Monitoring Platform
  • Strados Labs RESP Biosensor

Meet the Innovators Challenge Judges: 

Samir Batra, BAHA Enterprises; HIP; ATA Advisor (Emcee)

Kiran Avancha, PhD, HonorHealth Innovations

Amit Aysola, Create Health Ventures

Joe Brennan, TytoCare

Christine Brocato, CommonSpirit Health

Adam Dakin, Medivation Advisors

Tracy Dooley MD, Avestria Ventures

Charlotte Gabet, Parkview Health

Jon Gabriel, Foley & Lardner

Nancy Green, The SAA Group, LLC

Rick Hall, PhD, Mayo Clinic/ASU MedTech Accelerator

Saira Haque, PhD, Pfizer Medical Affairs

Jennifer Joe, MD, AstraZeneca

Aditi U. Joshi, MD, Digital Health Consultant

Connor McDermott, A1 Health Ventures

Kate Merton, PhD, ChicagoArc

Matt Miller, PhD, Headwater Ventures

Yuriy Oinyskiv, Orlando Health Ventures

Maxim Owen, Wavemaker Three-Sixty Health

Rakesh Patel, MD, Good Samaritan Hospital

Julia Monfrini Peev, PACE Healthcare Capital

Shravan Rai, Teladoc Health

Lygeia Ricciardi, AdaRose

Julianne Roseman, Plug and Play

Matthew Sakumoto, MD, Sutter Health-West Bay Region

Mayank Taneja, OSF Healthcare

Kristen Valdes, b.well

Elliott Wilson, Flying Pig Consulting

Keith Winter, Teal Ventures

Emily Zhen, Zeal Capital Partners

Anthony Zlaket, Tampa General Hospital

Jeff Zucker, Digital Health Entrepreneur/Investor

ATA Nexus features three full days of dynamic content, including new programming formats and interactive sessions that will explore The Next Chapter in Virtual Care, including interactive sessions, collaborative workshops, a bustling exhibit floor and networking and social events that will spark curiosity, foster learning, and ignite transformative discussions, including:

  • Four Deep Dive sessions on the hottest topics in virtual care, plus NEW! Telehealth 101 Bootcamp
  • Over 80 Oral and Poster Research Presentations with CME
  • NEW! System Spotlights featuring leading hospital systems on the forefront
  • NEW! Curbside Consult sessions, engaging and informal “consults” with clinicians and industry experts
  • Annual Telehealth Innovators Challenge live pitch competition
  • NEW! Meet the Experts lounge in the ATA Hub
  • NEW! Insights Workshop on Virtual Nursing for senior nursing leaders
  • Plus over 300 speakers, hundreds of sponsors and exhibitors, and an audience packed with telehealth and virtual care stakeholders

GENERAL REGISTRATION: For more information or to register, please visit the ATA Nexus 2024 website for details and easy online registration.

MEDIA REGISTRATION:  Register to attend ATA Nexus 2024 here and use comp code ATA24PRMEDIA to receive complimentary press credentials. Or contact Gina Cella at gcella@americantelemed.org.

About the ATA

As the only organization completely focused on advancing telehealth, the American Telemedicine Association is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate care when and where they need it, enabling the system to do more good for more people. The ATA represents a broad and inclusive member network of leading healthcare delivery systems, academic institutions, technology solution providers and payers, as well as partner organizations and alliances, working to advance industry adoption of telehealth, promote responsible policy, advocate for government and market normalization, and provide education and resources to help integrate virtual care into emerging value-based delivery models.

#     #     #

CONTACT:  

Gina Cella

gcella@americantelemed.org

t: 781-799-3137

 

Get your free subscription to The Rowan Report today

Illumifin Publishes its 10th Annual Cost of Care Study; Reveals Significant Increase in Cost of Home Health Care Services Nationwide.

Partner News

by | Mar 28, 2024 | Partner News

NEWS PROVIDED BY

illumifin 

27 Mar, 2024, 09:00 ET

Key Findings Include:

  • Average 2023 hourly rate for home health aide increased 5.2%
  • Hourly per visit nurse rate decreased 1.6% with facility prices mixed
  • Washington and New Hampshire most expensive states for home health aides

 illumifin’s comprehensive study provides insight which empowers consumers, insurers, and providers by benchmarking the prices of senior care.  

WOODBURY, Minn., March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — illumifin, the leading insurance administration and claims solution provider for long term care (LTC) insurance, has just released its 2023 Cost of Care study and comprehensive analysis. Now in its tenth year, this longitudinal study includes national, state and regional costs of various care services, spanning skilled nursing, adult day care, home health care and assisted living facilities.

illumifin’s Cost of Care study gathers tens of thousands of data points from care providers nationwide, with results normalized by the company’s in-house actuarial and data science teams. Insurers and financial services providers rely on this data for both forecasting and stakeholder education as well as informing customers and agents about national and regional cost variations. In addition, care providers benefit from understanding the market rates for services in their area. These insights are also accessible via illumifin’s What Care Costs website, which offers interactive maps and projection tools to sort, rank and evaluate average costs of LTC services across the US.

illumifin’s study found that the average hourly rate for a home health aide in 2023 was $30.62, an increase of 5.2 percent over the prior year. Meanwhile, the average per-visit rate for a registered nurse in 2023 was $147.72, a decrease of 1.6 percent over the prior year, potentially reflecting rates beginning to normalize post pandemic.

The research also shows facility prices were mixed. The average assisted living facility rates increased between 0.6 and 3.8 percent in 2023 depending on room type, reversing course from the pandemic where assisted living facility rates had been trending downward. However, skilled nursing facility rates experienced a small decrease in 2023 between 0.4 and 1.0 percent.

The most expensive states for home health aides were Washington and New Hampshire, whereas Mississippi and Louisiana were the least expensive. Meanwhile, the most expensive assisted living rates were found in New Hampshire and New Jersey, while the lowest assisted living prices were found in Alabama and Oklahoma.

“We are proud to leverage our 30 years of experience in senior care to provide actionable data for insurers, consumers, providers and financial institutions,” said Peter Goldstein, illumifin’s President and CEO. “Our focus remains on customer centric initiatives which assist in managing risk and planning for the future. Our Cost of Care survey has proven valuable to not only to our business partners but providing valuable knowledge to consumers and their families as they navigate the maze of service types when making care decisions.”

The study, interactive tool and data are available for use by insurers, providers and financial services firms. For more information regarding illumifin’s Cost of Care Study, please contact Jennifer Frost via email at jenniferfrost@illumifin.com.

About illumifin
illumifin provides third party administration and technology services to individual and group insurers. The company, launched in 2021, blends insurance industry knowledge, technology leadership and operational execution to prepare insurers for the digital future. illumifin is a diverse, passionate and empowered team of insurance specialists committed to the growth and success of its customers. With illumifin, there’s a brighter future. Visit www.illumifin.com.

Contact: Chris Tofalli
Chris Tofalli Public Relations, LLC
914-834-4334

SOURCE illumifin

Little Clinical, Cost Benefit to Diabetes Tech

Admin

by | Mar 28, 2024 | Admin, Clinical, Partner News, Telehealth

CONTACT: Shannon Bishop-Green, SBishopGreen@MessagePartnersPR.com, (860) 305-3197
NEW REPORT FINDS THAT DIGITAL DIABETES MANAGEMENT TOOLS FAIL TO DELIVER MEANINGFUL HEALTH BENEFITS TO PATIENTS WHILE INCREASING SPENDING
Independent evaluation from Peterson Health Technology Institute recommends new directions for digital diabetes solutions
NEW YORK — Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI), an independent organization that evaluates healthcare technologies to improve health and lower costs, today released a new evaluation of digital diabetes management tools. These solutions are used by millions of Americans and have been funded by $58 billion of investment and mergers and acquisitions, yet the evidence shows that the technologies do not deliver meaningful clinical benefits, and result in increased healthcare spending.
The analysis, conducted by a team of health technology assessment experts and informed by clinical advisors, evaluated eight widely used digital tools that people with Type 2 diabetes use to track and manage blood glucose using a noncontinuous glucometer.
The report found that people who use these tools achieve only small reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared to those who do not, and these reductions are not sufficient or sustained enough to change the trajectory of their health, care, or long-term prognosis, including cardiovascular risks. The solutions also result in increased overall healthcare costs. One promising solution, Virta, supports nutritional ketosis to achieve diabetes remission in patients who follow the rigorous diet modifications.
“When these digital diabetes management tools launched more than a decade ago, they promised to improve health outcomes for people with diabetes and deliver savings to payers. Based on the scientific evidence, these solutions have fallen short, and it is time to move toward the next generation of innovation,” said Caroline Pearson, executive director of PHTI. “Patients with diabetes invest time, energy, and resources in these tools, and they deserve to experience meaningful, positive benefits for their health. The healthcare sector as a whole needs transparent, accurate information about the clinical and economic impact of these digital tools that are taking up precious healthcare dollars.”
PHTI’s rigorous analysis incorporated an evidence-based assessment framework and review of more than 1,100 articles, including 120 submitted to PHTI by companies evaluated in the report. PHTI’s ratings are at the category level, including remote patient monitoring solutions that support providers, and behavior and lifestyle modification solutions that engage users to improve their diet, exercise, and self-management.
HbA1c is the standard form of measurement of glycemic control in diabetics. The studies show that these digital tools deliver small reductions in HbA1c of 0.23 to 0.60 percentage points compared to usual care. These results are generally below industry standards for Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 0.50 percentage points. Further, the evidence indicates that this small improvement is not durable because the reduction is not sustained over time.
Additionally, PHTI’s analysis did not find evidence to demonstrate that digital diabetes management tools improve other health factors, including weight loss, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, or other common conditions impacting people with diabetes. The analysis also concluded that, despite the disproportionate impact of diabetes on low-income and racially and ethnically diverse communities, these tools are not currently being deployed in ways that improve health equity.
PHTI’s evaluation further determined that these tools increase net healthcare spending. This is due to the fact that price for the solutions exceeds the associated healthcare cost savings, because the minimal clinical benefit does not enable the patient to avoid other care or treatments. For patients using tools in the remote patient monitoring category, annual spending is projected to increase by $2,002 for commercial insurance patients, by $1,011 for Medicare patients, and by $723 for Medicaid patients, as a result of higher provider payments. For patients using tools in the behavior and lifestyle modification category, annual spending is estimated to increase by $484 for commercial insurance patients, by $513 for Medicare patients, and by $574 for Medicaid patients. For all payers, the increased spending associated with virtual diabetes solutions has a significant impact on total spending given how many people are eligible to use the solutions, including 4.3% of those with commercial insurance, 17.0% of those with Medicare, and 4.8% of those with Medicaid.
In addition to its scientific literature review, PHTI proactively engaged the companies included in the report and provided an opportunity for them to share data and product information. Companies in PHTI’s evaluation include DarioHealth, Glooko, Omada, Perry Health, Teladoc (Livongo), Verily (Onduo), Vida, and Virta. The evaluation considered evidence about which populations stand to benefit the most from using the technology, as well as the durability of clinical impacts given the importance of sustained glucose control to achieve health benefits. The economic analysis modeled expected healthcare savings resulting from improved glycemic control for patients using digital diabetes management solutions who are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance.
PHTI identified two potential bright spots for digital diabetes management tools. Initial data showed that Virta users are much more likely to achieve clinically meaningful benefits in glycemic control, including diabetes remission and the ability to reduce or eliminate their diabetes medications, if they can maintain the rigorous dietary requirements of the intervention. The other area of greater potential is among patients with higher starting HbA1c levels who are newly starting insulin. By engaging these patients at an early critical transition point in their care, digital solutions could have more impact by helping establish good self-management habits among these higher-risk patients.
Category-level ratings are available here.
In the United States, about one in seven adults—more than 38 million living in the U.S.—has Type 2 diabetes, which is the eighth leading cause of death. At over $400 billion of total healthcare spending annually, diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition to treat and manage. Given the critical role of patient self-management, investment in digital health tools has surged in recent years.
Throughout the assessment process, PHTI worked with a range of independent evaluation partners, clinical advisors, patients with Type 2 diabetes, and other stakeholders. Report contributors and reviewers included:
  • Curta: assessed the clinical and economic impact of these technologies using the published ICER-PHTI Assessment Framework for Digital Health Technologies, including the systematic literature review and budget impact assessment
  • Charm Economics: identified what technologies cost to deliver, how they work, and their impact on patients and purchasers
  • Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER): co-developed the ICER-PHTI Assessment Framework for Digital Health Technologies, and was consulted to review its implementation in this report
  • Ami Bhatt, MD, chief innovation officer of the American College of Cardiology
  • Richard Milani, MD, chief clinical innovation officer, Sutter Health; former innovation lead at Ochner Health System
  • Karen Rheuban, MD, co-founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Telehealth
“Managing diabetes is complex and essential to future cardiovascular health. Patients will gain agency and drive better clinical benefit if they direct their time and effort towards effective interventions rather than tools that provide marginal or no benefit,” said report contributor Ami Bhatt, MD, chief innovation officer of the American College of Cardiology.
“New diabetes technologies need to be easier to use, by the people who need them most, at lower cost than standard care, and provide real health benefits,” said report contributor Richard Milani, MD, chief clinical innovation officer at Sutter Health. “This evaluation suggests there is room for new innovations that deliver for patients and address worrying increases in healthcare spending.”
The PHTI report provides recommendations and best practices for innovators, providers, and payers. The next generation of diabetes management solutions should aim for clinically meaningful improvements in glycemic control, potentially integrating continuous glucose monitors and new GLP-1 obesity medications. Solutions should also generate sufficient evidence to support broader adoption, and they should prioritize access for populations who need them most. Providers of diabetes care should have clarity about the performance of these digital solutions when recommending them to their patients. Payers, including health plans and employers, should adapt their contracting approach to require transparency about the solution’s usage and benefits within their covered population and to include financial performance guarantees tied to clinical outcomes.
“PHTI is filling an important role in delivering actionable and market-facing information to digital health purchasers about what solutions will make a meaningful impact on health outcomes for members, making them worth investment,” said Peter Long, PhD, executive vice president, Strategy and Health Solutions at Blue Shield of California and a PHTI Advisory Board member. “Having an organization like PHTI cut through the noise of digital health options helps payers make faster and more effective decisions for members so that we can focus on the big work of transforming the healthcare system.”
PHTI has announced that future assessment areas include virtual physical therapy, blood pressure monitoring, and mental health tools.
# # #
About the Peterson Health Technology Institute
The Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) provides independent evaluations of innovative healthcare technologies to improve health and lower costs. Through its rigorous, evidence-based research, PHTI analyzes the clinical benefits and economic impact of digital health solutions, as well as their effects on health equity, privacy, and security. These evaluations inform decisions for providers, patients, payers, and investors, accelerating the adoption of high-value technology in healthcare. PHTI was founded in 2023 by the Peterson Center on Healthcare. For more information, please visit PHTI.com.

Axxess Launches New Connect Solution

Partner News

by | Feb 14, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:        Johnathan Eaves
(903) 445-6969
jeaves@axxess.com

Axxess Launches New Axxess Connect Solution to Accelerate Health Information Exchange

Secure Data Sharing Now Possible Across Any Network

DALLAS, January 18, 2024 – Axxess, the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, launched a new product called Axxess Connect, a groundbreaking interoperability solution. This new product will revolutionize the way Axxess users connect and share data with healthcare providers and specialists, further enhancing care coordination, improving patient outcomes and driving the future by enabling new care models and value-based care.

“Axxess Connect is a new benchmark for interoperability in healthcare,” says Tim Ingram, Executive Vice President of Interoperability at Axxess. “By working with our partner Kno2 we can now connect our solutions to help accelerate the exchange of health information securely across any network. This means our clients will have easier access to a broader range of providers and specialists, making data sharing and referrals more efficient.”

By being Kno2 Connected™, Axxess Connect, enables the secure, effortless, and maximized exchange of patient information across patients, providers, payers and HIT vendors. The solution meets data security and compliance requirements in accordance with HITRUST and HIPAA regulation for privacy, data sharing and healthcare communication standards supported by national and regional frameworks including Direct Trust, Carequality and most recently, TEFCA. This ensures that patient data is interoperable, secured and protected when shared across systems.

“Our collaboration with Kno2 not only improves the overall experience for our users, but it also reduces the administrative load on healthcare providers,” said Ingram. “By minimizing time spent on administrative tasks, our clients can focus more on providing quality patient care.”

Added Theresa Bell, Co-founder, President and Chief Technology Officer of Kno2: “By seamlessly connecting Axxess users with healthcare providers and specialists, we are breaking down barriers and revolutionizing the way data is shared in every care setting. Axxess Connect represents the power of the partnership and the value of being Kno2 Connected. Together, we are revolutionizing care delivery and thoughtfully solving healthcare’s biggest problems.”

Axxess Connect will first be available to Axxess Palliative Care clients before eventually being rolled out to the entire Axxess suite of solutions for home health, hospice and home care.

To start using Axxess Connect, contact Axxess’ enterprise sales team via email at integrations@axxess.com.

###

About Axxess

Axxess is the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, focused on solving the most complex industry challenges. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 5 million patients worldwide, Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use software solutions that empower home health, home care, hospice, and palliative providers to make healthcare in the home human again. Multiple independent certifications have confirmed that Axxess has the most secure and industry-compliant software available for providers. The company’s collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a “Best Place to Work.”