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The period following discharge as a patient transitions from hospital to home can be a vulnerable time for patients, especially those who are at high risk for hospital readmission. Preventable hospital readmissions often stem from a discontinuity in a patient’s care plan due to confusion surrounding discharge instructions, changes to medication regimen, or a lack […]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awards incentive payments to eligible health professionals and hospitals that demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology.  Compliance with the meaningful use (MU) guidelines established by CMS is intended to improve efficiency and quality through the use of these patient-centered tools. In order to receive […]

It is well understood that a small percentage of patients account for the largest proportion of health care expenditures. Systems have achieved remarkable success in keeping patients healthier and out of the hospital by employing case managers to identify opportunities, make connections, close gaps and troubleshoot problems. In a fee-for-service payment world however, hospitals and physicians […]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has continued work on its commitment to transforming payment for healthcare services to value/outcome-based models. In support of this, they announced a new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model through its Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. This new model, called “Next […]

For most patients in the U.S. health care system, navigating the maze of uncoordinated, fragmented medical care and social services has become a norm. The diverse array of providers and institutions have left patients as the main conduit of information between clinicians they see.  As health systems strategize on how to respond to market demands […]

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing providers today is the rapid shift from a fee-for-service payment model to a value-based payment model. An increasing percentage of the market is transitioning to managed care across the country and payers want to see more value for their health care dollars. However, it can be difficult […]

As the leader of consulting services for COPE Health Solutions, Evan King has been instrumental in developing the company’s key service lines, competencies and skilled workforce that have helped clients across the country, including California, Texas, Washington and New York.  King has directed the strategic planning, design and implementation of complex engagements that have allowed […]

The state of New York plans to transform health care delivery for Medicaid patients through the Medicaid 1115 Demonstration Waiver it has negotiated with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The Waiver aims to save $17.1 billion of Medicaid federal money over a five-year period by reducing avoidable hospital and emergency department admissions […]

The Community Care Collaborative (CCC) in Travis County, Texas, demonstrates what can be accomplished through a Medicaid 1115 Waiver Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program.  Under the program, the Collaborative expanded access to primary and specialty care, improved care for patients with chronic conditions, and integrated behavioral health care with primary care.  Hitting these […]