Accenture: States Using Federal Grants To Reinvest In Health IT
By Megan Williams, contributing writer
States are reinvesting money from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) into health IT, according to a recent report from Accenture.
The report, “It’s About My Health — Not Healthcare Or Human Services: Convergence And The Future Of Person-Centered Health And Human Services” presents the results of an analysis of State Health Innovation Plans (SHIPs).
“States envision coordinated, collaborative and cost-effective health and social care models that are much different from ‘the system’ as it is today. People will own healthcare decisions and work closely with family, medical, and human services professionals, and community organizations — without silos or redundancies. In a converged landscape, health, social, and financial outcomes will improve dramatically.”
CMS awarded $300 million to 25 states in 2013 to begin designing or testing improvements to their healthcare delivery system and payment models, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. SHIPs are considered to be at the forefront of reinventing healthcare delivery, and are heavily focused on involving patients in their care and decision-making.
The Impact Of IT
IT will play a crucial part in involving patients in their care, especially as the general population becomes more accustomed to digital interactions, and many people expect deeper technological connection in their lives. A survey by Accenture revealed that 86 percent of consumers in the U.S. think it’s important to have control over their health information, but that only 16 percent feel they have complete control. Another 75 percent believe in technology as an aid in improving their health.
The report emphasizes the importance of digital technology in the transformation of traditional patient-provider relationships, in that it helps move patients out of a passive, receiving position in the care continuum, and allows for the involvement of family in health management.
“Practical and pragmatic, digital channels take empowerment to the next level. Digital tools that enable targeted healthcare literacy, self-management, or remote patient monitoring among other examples make it easier for people to be more proactive and accountable for their wellbeing.”
Connection At The State Level
According to the report, states are getting involved in increasing the profile of digital tools. It estimates that 60 percent are investing in equipping consumers with tools like patient portals for self-health management. Connecticut, for example, has created a website that provides patients with information to access community-available health services. Delaware in turn has planned to commission mobile apps that allow patients to access their personal EHRs, along with pulling information on value-based health choices and care delivery options.
Over all, 55 percent of states that are using SHIP models are investing in either constructing or modifying all payer claims databases and increasing stakeholder access.