Dive Brief: Electronic prior authorization led to faster turnaround times and higher dispense rates, according to new CoverMyMeds data. More than 60% of ePA requests received a determination in less than two hours compared to 0% of PA requests done over the phone or fax — and they led to an 80% higher dispense rate. When electronic PA was combined with a real-time benefit check at the point of prescribing, medication adherence jumped by 20%, the healthcare software company found. But provider adoption remains relatively low at less than half of the market, a point of contention between payers and providers. A Health Information Technology Advisory Committee hearing on prior authorization Wednesday similarly reiterated a call for wider adoption while streamlining the snags in the process that prevent physicians, clinics and health systems from getting on board. Dive Insight: Prior authorization, a stipulation that a provider must obtain approval from a payer before … [Read more...] about Electronic prior authorization merits wider adoption, health IT, payer groups say
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Focus on usability, interoperability to help reduce health IT burden, groups tell ONC
Dive Brief: Healthcare organizations weighed in on the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's draft strategy on reducing regulatory burden from EHRs and other systems with calls for fewer reporting requirements, better alignment of documentation and workflow requirements and improved interoperability. In written comments to ONC, the American Hospital Association urged the office and CMS "to continue to explore changes specific to EHR documentation that go beyond high-level changes to E/M documentation, as well as documentation requirements applicable to provision of care other than E/M visits, including care that is delivered by telehealth." HIMSS and the Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems (AMDIS) said continued efforts toward standards-based interoperability would reduce the burden of sharing and using data, as well as reporting criteria around such exchanges. Dive Insight: Released in late November, the draft strategy focuses on … [Read more...] about Focus on usability, interoperability to help reduce health IT burden, groups tell ONC
New report calls attention to lingering health problems of California wildfires
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- A new report is calling attention to the lingering health problems of major wildfires in California.When the Camp Fire erupted, the thick smoke spread across 200 miles, including the Bay Area. But, did you wonder about long-term effects? "We had the worst air in the world and we wanted to know if this would be a problem right now or one for months and years after the fact," said investigative Reporter Alan Glantz from revealnewsRELATED: Check current Bay Area air quality levelsHe published the beginning of an answer Wednesday. It's not encouraging. "The fires are contained, the smoke is gone, and people are still going to the emergency room."To determine impact from the Camp Fire, Glantz studied nine North Bay hospitals following last year's Tubb's fire.They show that three months later, emergency rooms reported an average sustained 20-percent increase in both respiratory problems and cardiac issues. If this is what we saw then, could we expect the same, … [Read more...] about New report calls attention to lingering health problems of California wildfires
New study demonstrates how intermittent fasting impacts health at a cellular level; diet fights off aging, promotes longevity
Monday, November 26, 2018 by: Russel Davis Tags: Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, diet, diet plan, disease prevention, fasting, goodhealth, health, heart disease, intermittent fasting, natural cures (Natural News) Intermittent fasting has steadily gained global attention over the years, thanks to a vast number of studies demonstrating its beneficial effects on the body’s overall health. Now, a new study carried out by researchers at the Harvard University adds to the growing number of evidence regarding the diet scheme’s efficacy. To reach this conclusion, the researchers examined the effects of intermittent fasting on nematodes as part of their study. The scientists observed that animal mitochondria exhibits better homeostasis — a process where two states of mitochondria are alternating properly — when they intermittently fasted. The researchers also noted that intermittent fasting helped the nematodes attain increased … [Read more...] about New study demonstrates how intermittent fasting impacts health at a cellular level; diet fights off aging, promotes longevity
Cybersecurity, telehealth, tech disruptors top health system concerns for 2019
Dive Brief: Cybersecurity, telehealth and health IT disruptors are front and center in health system leaders' minds as they look ahead to 2019, a new Center for Connected Medicine report finds. In a survey of C-suite executives at 40 U.S. health systems, 87% said they expect to increase spending on cybersecurity, while none plan to cut spending. Execs are also bullish about telehealth reimbursement as a component of value-based care, with more than 60% of respondents believing government and commercial payers will fund the bulk of virtual care services by 2022. For 2019, though, most telehealth will be funded through internal means and patient payments, according to the survey, which was conducted by the Health Management Academy in partnership with CCM. Dive Insight: Health organizations recognize the threats and importance of cybersecurity and interoperability and are investing in these areas. And they are recognizing the importance of virtual care, though regulatory and … [Read more...] about Cybersecurity, telehealth, tech disruptors top health system concerns for 2019