2014 Health care trends and topics
Lately, we have been seeing a lot of reports and articles regarding healthcare trends in 2014. Blogs, videos, and articles are popping up across the internet with what to expect in the healthcare industry this year. Below are some of the big topics that are currently in discussion.
Big Data and Technology
The reports tell us we’ll be experiencing an increase in big data with the onset of EMRs, expansions of partnerships between organizations, correlations between managing chronic conditions and health coaches, and -- perhaps one of the most often talked about trends -- advancing technology to improve patient care. We also feel we will most likely see an explosion of new devices, as the platform of mobile medicine develops with respect to reduced readmission and better management of chronic medical issues, such as diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure.
Labor
The labor force within the healthcare industry will possibly the most expensive topic to hospitals. But with the lack of professionals and a disconcerting future, the fears surrounding the healthcare labor force are extending beyond cost.
Lessons will be learned from the various issues healthcare leaders are facing. Whether its recruiting or training, or dealing with incoming millennial workers.
Medicaid
Despite the fact that about half of states adamantly insist that they will not expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, remains an issue. Millions of previously uninsured Americans enrolled in Medicaid and commercial plans expect to see some hospitals reduce the amount of charity care and uncompensated care.
Price transparency
The Healthcare Financial Management Association has pushed price transparency efforts, citing increased pressure from consumers. We may see some hospitals announce some modest changes, while the HFMA to perhaps launch some transparency tools.
More Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
There will be more initiatives and more bundling. Anticipate some more imaginative shared savings/cost-sharing formulas that govern their structures.
More Financial Audits
Recovery audit contractors' scrutiny of hospital billings continued to build. What makes this more likely: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services concurs with a recent report by the Office of the Inspector General suggesting that RACs scrutinize high-billing doctors.
The Takeaway:
Smart providers will focus on healthcare consumers’ needs—patients and payers alike—to build new models of care that deliver maximum value. They will maximize the value of information with open-ended technologies that integrate with the entire spectrum of patient-provider touch points–mobile health apps, telehealth and medical devices–to create a consumer-friendly health and wellness ecosystem. Healthcare administrators will find ways to improve the patient experience while improving their bottom line. Meanwhile, ACOs must find new and effective ways to engage, educate and encourage their patient populations to become more involved in preventative care.
Big Data and Technology
The reports tell us we’ll be experiencing an increase in big data with the onset of EMRs, expansions of partnerships between organizations, correlations between managing chronic conditions and health coaches, and -- perhaps one of the most often talked about trends -- advancing technology to improve patient care. We also feel we will most likely see an explosion of new devices, as the platform of mobile medicine develops with respect to reduced readmission and better management of chronic medical issues, such as diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure.
Labor
The labor force within the healthcare industry will possibly the most expensive topic to hospitals. But with the lack of professionals and a disconcerting future, the fears surrounding the healthcare labor force are extending beyond cost.
Lessons will be learned from the various issues healthcare leaders are facing. Whether its recruiting or training, or dealing with incoming millennial workers.
Medicaid
Despite the fact that about half of states adamantly insist that they will not expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, remains an issue. Millions of previously uninsured Americans enrolled in Medicaid and commercial plans expect to see some hospitals reduce the amount of charity care and uncompensated care.
Price transparency
The Healthcare Financial Management Association has pushed price transparency efforts, citing increased pressure from consumers. We may see some hospitals announce some modest changes, while the HFMA to perhaps launch some transparency tools.
More Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
There will be more initiatives and more bundling. Anticipate some more imaginative shared savings/cost-sharing formulas that govern their structures.
More Financial Audits
Recovery audit contractors' scrutiny of hospital billings continued to build. What makes this more likely: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services concurs with a recent report by the Office of the Inspector General suggesting that RACs scrutinize high-billing doctors.
The Takeaway:
Smart providers will focus on healthcare consumers’ needs—patients and payers alike—to build new models of care that deliver maximum value. They will maximize the value of information with open-ended technologies that integrate with the entire spectrum of patient-provider touch points–mobile health apps, telehealth and medical devices–to create a consumer-friendly health and wellness ecosystem. Healthcare administrators will find ways to improve the patient experience while improving their bottom line. Meanwhile, ACOs must find new and effective ways to engage, educate and encourage their patient populations to become more involved in preventative care.