By Stacy State – Others have written about what healthcare can learn from online retailer Zappos—but it’s worth taking another look at how Zappos’ core values can be applied to any organization, whether a small family practice or a multi-billion-dollar health system. Even billing services and other medical-service organizations can apply the customer- and culture-focused lessons that are at the core of Zappos’ growth and success.
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By Chris Dymek EdD – Last week I attended Health Datapalooza VII, an annual conference where over 1,400 experts gathered to discuss how to bring data to life in ways that matter in health and health care. I wanted to share a few post-conference reflections on how AHRQ can address some of the important issues raised.
Bennett Lauber – The efficient and effective use of Electronic Health Records are essential, as these systems are increasingly becoming a central tool for patient care. The HITECH Act provided providers with a significant financial incentive to increase the adoption and use of EHRs.
By William Hyman – One use of a Clinical Decision Support system (CDS) is to remind doctors of what the “established” standardized methodology is. One key issue here is established by whom? Another is, depending on complexity, why the clinical staff doesn’t follow the established procedure whether or not it is supported by a CDS.
By Sou Chon Young – Rapidly changing payment methods. Shift from fee-for-service to value-based care. Declining insurance reimbursements. Increased government regulations. Sound familiar? The litany of changes impacting the healthcare industry appears to grow longer every day.
By Megan Renfrew – In early May, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a regulation ushering in sweeping reforms to managed care programs within Medicaid and CHIP. This regulation will require states and health plans alike to step up their game with respect to data collection, analysis, and reporting.
By Sandra G. Boodman – After James Happli of Mosinee, Wisconsin, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he was referred to a surgeon at a local hospital where he had been treated for lymphoma 28 years earlier. The surgeon told Happli and his wife that although she had never successfully performed a Whipple procedure.
By Rachel E. Sherman MD, MPH, & Robert M. Califf MD – Earlier, we discussed a pair of concepts – interoperability and connectivity – that are essential prerequisites for the creation of a successful national system for evidence generation. We take a look at how we would apply these constructs as we go about building such a system.
By Robert Rowley MD – A recent article by The Commonwealth Fund raises the question of being able to use smartphone apps to get real-time, accurate and personalized guidance for health concerns. While one can envision the convenience, affordability and peace of mind that would result from their use, such services face a number of hurdles before they become reality.