Cyberattacks targeting the supply chain are an increasingly prevalent threat in the healthcare industry, especially as the modern healthcare supply chain contains significant digital elements, such as the patient engagement vendors that provide public-facing digital tools. These third-party apps and patient-facing tools process sensitive patient data and connect with a healthcare organization’s source systems on the supply chain. As such, they are tempting targets for cybercriminals, who can sell this data on the black market or lock it up with ransomware until they are paid.
Patient education is about more than simply spreading knowledge about the disease. It can also empower patients to better live with their condition and avoid complications–an approach known as therapeutic patient education[¹]
Digital technology can do wonders when it comes to streamlining the work of delivering efficient quality care to patients. The use of patient portals, EHRs, mhealth apps, and wearable tech can all empower patients to be more active in their healthcare, get faster treatment, and access preventative care earlier on. But with all the capabilities of modern technology, we find that many patients are slow to adopt digital tools. If this is the case for your healthcare organization, we recommend the following tips to increase adoption.
Technology has a lot of potential to improve efficiency and health outcomes in the complex practice of healthcare, from time-sensitive interventions in the hospital environment to long-term preventative measures among patient populations. Diagnostics, data management, patient engagement, and personalized medicine all stand to benefit from greater technology integration in a holistic, connected care model. Despite this, there are many hurdles that prevent technology from being adopted as quickly or effectively as it could be. Let’s take a look at the challenges contemporary healthcare organizations face.
Healthcare services are meeting patient demand by becoming increasingly digitized. These digital healthcare services are often developed by third parties and access electronic health records (EHR), revenue cycle management (RCM) systems, and other databases that include sensitive and legally protected information. While these electronic services are beneficial to both patients and providers, they create an increasingly complex software supply chain, with more potential vulnerabilities that are being targeted by hackers[¹]. Healthcare providers can find it difficult to manage effective oversight of these supply chains - including the relationships between different software tools, who has access to what data, and where there might be potential weaknesses.
Did you hear the big announcement from Medicare?...
Join us on March 1st at 1pm Eastern as we discuss how a well-managed CCM program can have a strong positive impact on healthcare results and organizational profitability for your FQHC.
With the uncertain state of the world right now, i’ll bet starting a Chronic Care Management (CCM) program - or any new program, for that matter - in your FQHC is the last thing on your mind.
And for good reason - We’re all just trying to survive, right? Who starts something new when they’re in survival mode?
But what if I told you that adopting a Chronic Care Management Program would improve your patient outcomes and increase your revenue, with no financial risk to your health center?
The infographic below will explain why NOW is actually the PERFECT time to start offering Chronic Care Management Services in your FQHC, including how doing so will benefit your patients and your health center’s bottom line.
The chronically ill account for a huge percentage of the population. In fact, as of 2012, approximately one half of all adults had one or more chronic health conditions, and one in four adults had two or more chronic health conditions. Additionally, heart disease and cancer—both chronic diseases—together accounted for almost half of all deaths in 2010. Given these facts, is it any surprise that, in 2010, eighty-six percent of all health care spending was for people with one or more chronic medical conditions? (CDC website)
As of January 1st, 2016, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) are able to bill for Chronic Care Management (CCM) services provided to Medicare patients using CPT code 99490. CCM refers to the non-face-to-face coordination of care for chronically ill patients.
FQHC Connect is a Free, Private Online Community for FQHC Professionals. Join the conversation, share resources and insights with your peers and access exclusive educational content to ensure your health center can thrive. You can request to join at www.FQHCConnect.com.
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