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Weekly Rounds: Population health, MIPs payment penalties, Certified EHRs, HIPAA, Care gaps

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This week we have insights into value-based care, how to avoid payment penalties, the importance of certified EHRs, HIPAA and Direct Primary Care, and tips on how to close care gaps.

At Elation Health, we’re committed to strengthening the physician-patient relationship and providing intuitive tools for clinical first care. Part of this commitment includes keeping physicians and staff informed about the latest healthcare news, technology trends, and policy updates that impact their practices and patients.

We’re maintaining a set of healthcare-focused blogs where you can subscribe to get more information and news straight to your inbox. And each week, our Weekly Rounds will give you the highlights of the top content we’ve posted; here’s what you may have missed this week:

  1. Value based care and population health management – CMS emphasizes quality over quantity of patient visits. There are three keys to a successful program: data analytics, technology adoption and the viewpoint of having a patient as a partner not as a simple patient. Read further to learn more about the relationship between value-based care and population health.
  2. Tips for avoiding a payment penalty in 2018 for MIPS – Physicians can earn incentives and avoid the payment penalty by following the AMA’s tip sheet. There are methods for both smaller and larger practices to avoid paying penalties as well. Read on to find out about avoiding penalties in 2018 for MIPs.
  3. What does it mean to have a certified EHR? – EHRs must meet certain standards to be certified. By being EHR certified, companies can receive Medicare adjustment payments. In addition, they also increase confidence among consumers by assuring that their systems are secure and can maintain confidentiality. Keep reading to find out more about the details of EHR certification.
  4. Does HIPAA apply to direct care practices? – Not all DPC practices fall under HIPAA, which is the act that maintains confidentiality of patient information. DPC providers that do not accept insurance are not mandated to adhere to HIPAA. Learn more about HIPAA and direct care.
  5. 5 tips on closing care gaps – Care gaps can be closed by strengthening collaboration among physicians and increasing interoperability. There is still delay in tracking patients in need of different services. The Sullivan Institute Report describes five ways in which care gaps can be closed. Read on to find out their approach.