Technology Drives the Best Touch

Meaningful Use has received the bulk of the health IT headlines in recent weeks thanks to the hardship exception, concerns about low Stage 2 attestation rates, calls for greater interoperability and fears about Stage 3 requirements.

With fewer splashy headlines, penalties for 30-day hospital readmissions deemed preventable also are having a big impact on U.S. hospitals. According to federal records released Oct. 1, 2,610 hospitals will be fined for 30-day readmissions. The average fines will be larger and 39 hospitals will receive the largest penalty allowed.

This problem calls for the best of touch and technology. This month’s cover story includes the experiences of several healthcare delivery organizations that are combining the potential of data analytics with old-fashioned communication and education. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, for example, is combining data from its health plan with clinical data to ensure its resources go to the patients who need them the most. Data analytics also have helped them learn that five days is the optimal point for follow-up appointments after hospital discharge. Learn more about how data analytics can improve care, lower costs and avoid penalties starting on page 8.

Also in this issue is a review of the fourth annual Healthcare Leadership Forum, which was held in September in Chicago. This year’s forum focused on several priorities for healthcare including patient engagement, team-based care and how to factor in the “care between the care.” Several speakers noted the importance of not letting technology take over care but rather using it to target and refine care for a more personalized approach. Read the highlights from the roster of impressive speakers beginning on page 14.

Laura Pedulli’s article on behavioral health covers pilot projects and other efforts to better integrate these important patient data. There has been a lack of federal funding but numerous efforts are laying the groundwork for electronic exchange. Behavioral health and substance abuse data are strongly protected because of their sensitivity but federal agencies are re-examining whether these restrictions do more harm than good while conducting their own pilots to gauge the feasibility and benefits of exchange. Learn more starting on page 26.

This issue also includes an article on big data and radiology, thoughts on cybersecurity from a medical device security pro, a profile on the Hearst Health Innovation Lab and information on how mobile health can personalize care.

As you think about wrapping up another busy year, we thank you for reading Clinical Innovation + Technology and look forward to bringing you more practical experience, insight and analysis of the health IT landscape.