Institute for Healthcare Information Technology IHIT Voice-Of- Health IT in Georgia December 5, 2016
Why is Health IT Important? Federal Initiatives since 2004 to encourage the adoption and implementation of electronic health records (EHR) Changes in the Healthcare Delivery Reimbursement Model Mandatory Quality Payment Program for Medicare commences on January 1, 2017
Two Payment Models=QPP Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Providers are scored on 3 and then 4 metrics to create a Composite Score Providers Reimbursement will go up or down depending upon performance when compared with peers Advanced Alternative Payment Model Must be a Qualified Provider Bonus Payment of 5%; and Not subject to MIPS
Health IT Is Part of the Healthcare Delivery System Solution Health IT is a critical component to: 1. Provide care; 2. Coordinate care with other providers; 3. Report on the quality metrics to achieve reimbursement. Access to Care and Improved patient outcomes as are maximized through Health IT
What does it mean for Georgia?
Health IT = Economic Development $4Billion in Revenues from Health IT companies in Georgia (Health Informatics Magazine 2014-Metro Atlanta Chamber) Employs Approximately 16,000 People (Health Informatics Magazine 2014-Metro Atlanta Chamber) 4,757 Healthcare IT jobs available in Georgia (IHIT December 2014 Report)
40 0 85 75 400 I-75 I-85 I-285 I-285 I-20 I-20 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport I-85 I-75
Factors Impacting Growth Trained Workforce Curriculum Recruitment/Retention Connectivity Interoperability of Health Records Broadband/internet/secure transmissions Cybersecurity Security Threats Ransomware Clinical Data Analytics Value Based Reimbursement Quality Reporting
Barriers to Access of Care Transportation Rural Areas Financial Feasibility Lack of Available Providers Physician Shortage Licensure Restrictions Lack of Specialists Connectivity Technology Needs Interoperability of Health Records
Information Technology Needs The top ranking order of information technology needs are: Computer Programmers / Interface Developers. Trained staff on IT System. 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 Computer Programmers / Interface Developers Trained Staff on IT System Security and Privacy Experts Connectivity and Broadband access 10
Georgia s Opportunities Address Lack of Access to Healthcare Services Expand and Enhance the Use of Telemedicine Licensure Rules Reimbursement for Telemedicine Services Access to Providers Evaluate and expand the scope of practice for independent practitioners Utilize Technology to communicate among Providers Fully Develop and Educate a Trained Workforce in Georgia Promote the Health IT Alliance, a partnership of the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia to work with IHIT to develop programs that address the current work force needs Expand and Develop Funding to Support Scholarships Incentivize Investment in Georgia Companies and Expand Funding Opportunities State Funding Models Tax Credits
IHIT IHIT was founded for the purpose of connecting resources for the advancement of healthcare through technology in a way that has not yet been achieved elsewhere. IHIT plays a unique role in this coordination by leveraging the strength of the Healthcare IT industry within Georgia and the Southeastern U.S. to provide economic development and improve access and the quality of care. IHIT is a resource to provide research, education and workshops to coordinate the providers, payers, consumers and Health IT companies together to address challenges and optimize the opportunities to support economic development and the growth of Health IT in the State. Voice-Of- Health IT in Georgia Contact Information: info@instituteforhealthcareit.org, or visit www.instituteforhealthcareit.org.