Category Archives: Providers

Reducing clinical variation: Does it limit or enable patient care?

Reducing clinical variation continues to be a hot topic in health care. However, it’s the idea of reducing or eliminating variation that makes many physicians who may not like the idea of standardization take pause. As a physician myself, I understand the concern and have had the opportunity to see how evidence-based medicine can be […]
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Leading a team approach to value

Collaboration around the business of health care is critical In a recent marketplace survey by NEJM Catalyst on the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care, we gained interesting insight into the state of value in health care. These included snapshots of revenue distribution, models in use, barriers, important measures and more. All are important points […]
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How the right HSA provider can support your employees’ health and security

Medical bills: trying to understand them may be nearly as painful as the injury or illness that generated them. This is an exaggeration, of course. But for many consumers, those bills can represent big problems, such as how to pay for their health care, how to plan for future care and how to achieve financial […]
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Next AI ‘wave’ will be a sea change for health care

The artificial intelligence (AI) journey from theory to mainstream has evolved in waves. While health care may see AI as an abstract concept, I believe that technology capabilities have already entered their second wave of evolution. The roots of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies go back to 1950, when Alan Turing suggested that machines could be […]
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Pathways to Success: Five key areas participants should evaluate based off of the CMS Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) delivered sweeping changes on December 21, 2018. Yet they should come as no surprise given the clear indications of the new direction throughout 2018. CMS has set the foundation for “Pathways to Success.” The most apparent change in the Final Rule is to reduce participants’ time in […]
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Population health management requires care coordination and patient engagement

Healthcare is experiencing unprecedented change at the moment; some would say this is long overdue. Between regulatory and reimbursement reforms, emerging technologies, and the pursuit of the Triple Aim, managing population health has become a fundamental requirement for most health systems. While the benefits of value-based care are many, the transformation to a more patient-centric […]
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Not science fiction: AI is creating value in surprising places

You might think of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care as science fiction — something that’s a future possibility. But the truth is, the future is here now. AI is a collection of methods and technologies for performing tasks we often associate with the human mind, such as learning and reasoning. AI approaches already have […]
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Navigating your alternative payment model journey: implementing, scaling and evolving your program

David Mauzey, General Manager, Optum Payment Innovation, was a guest speaker at the Scottsdale Institute on September 26. He shared how bundled payments can help accomplish business strategies. Part II of this two-part blog concludes with suggested best practices to consider when implementing, maintaining, scaling and evolving your alternative payment model. Implementing your program Here […]
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Navigating your advanced payment journey: Creating a focused strategy and rollout

Key influencers pointing toward evaluating your value-based contracts Regulators are demanding that providers implement advanced payment programs to drive better health care outcomes. Many employer groups with a high population of specific surgical procedures and chronic conditions want bundled payment programs. Many providers use home-grown tools that aren’t maximizing the potential of their current value-based […]
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Expanded Optum Advisory Services receives accolades from Everest Group, Modern Healthcare and KLAS

In late 2017, the consulting division of the Advisory Board Company became part of Optum Advisory Services. Combining our capabilities has proven powerful. I credit our success to the talented people, powerful analytics and our sole focus on health care. Over the course of the last year, our combined organization has received recognition and honorable […]
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