Becker's Hospital Review

21 Executive Briefing: Clinical Integration Required capabilities for high performing medical groups Here are six capabilities all high performing medical groups must have: 1. The right information delivered to the right person, at the right time Physicians need access to clinical data at the point of care to en- sure a better patient experience and outcome. Executives and other stakeholders need performance data to make strategic de- cisions about growth and profitability. And an organization as a whole must be able to exchange information with entities outside its walls, a demand that cloud-based HIT services can meet by building interfaces to support that exchange seamlessly. 2. Tools for strengthening physician loyalty To drive physician loyalty, high performing medical groups need HIT solutions that facilitate care coordination, integrated order pattern reporting across the enterprise and closed-loop ordering. With these elements in place, it's easier for providers to work to- gether across the enterprise, because: • Providers get access to an instantly updated, streamlined, closed-loop order process; • The organization has full visibility into order patterns and trends; and • Patients receive a better care experience. Cloud-based platforms can be continually and instantly updated across an entire system, and can enable bidirectional communi- cation between physicians and leadership; frontline providers stay updated on strategic decisions and can provide feedback up the chain of command. 3. Tools for accessing and engaging patients Healthcare organizations with a strong patient engagement strat- egy — especially the use of an online patient portal — report in- creased efficiency via self-service check-in, automated appoint- ment reminder and lab result services, and online and after-hours payment options. When secure messaging is introduced, tele- phone volume decreases. And portal features can lower indirect and direct labor costs, from the fees to deliver lab results through the mail to the time spent on the phone handling questions, ap- pointment scheduling and patient reminders. 4 4. Flexibility to accommodate new payment models It is more important than ever to have a technology solution that evolves with new reimbursement realities. With traditional soft- ware, reporting on meaningful use measures and preparing for ICD-10 compliance can require expensive upgrades and modules. A cloud-based, co-sourcing solution can offer built-in, behind-the- scenes support to research and anticipate changing guidelines without extra cost. 5. Optimized workflows A cloud-based service can embed updates into workflows where they are easiest for staff to capture and act on. This means informa- tion is available that enables providers to make high-value, high- quality clinical decisions at the point of care, and creates enormous efficiencies when it comes to revising paperwork and researching updates. Staff can spend the workday—and save money—concen- trating on patient care and managing the enterprise. 6. insight to manage growth High performing medical groups need tools to compare their orga- nization's performance to best practices, design better workflows and uncover and fix "broken" processes. Because the cloud offers complete visibility into community ordering patterns, operations, clinical decisions, and financial performance, healthcare execu- tives have the information necessary to make informed decisions about growth and acquisitions. Bringing healthcare organizations into the future To perform at their peak, healthcare organizations need to start with their technology solutions. This is the foundation, the back- bone that strengthens meaningful integration, growth and the ability to meet new quality standards, all while enhancing profit- ability. When considering today's challenges — and the unfore- seen changes on the horizon — cloud-based IT solutions have emerged as the only viable option to bring it all together, and help improve both financial and clinical outcomes. n 1 Health Care Advisory Board. 2011. The High-Performance Medical Group: From Aggregations of Employed Practices to an Integrated Clinical Enterprise. 2 "Decline in Utilization Rates Signals A Change In The Inpatient Business Model," Robert York, Kenneth Kaufman and Mark Grube, Health Affairs, March 2013. 3 KLAS. December 8, 2011. Healthcare Providers Test the Waters of Cloud Technology. 4 National Learning Consortium Fact Sheet August 2012. 5 "Decline in Utilization Rates Signals A Change In The Inpatient Business Model," Robert York, Kenneth Kaufman and Mark Grube, Health Affairs, March 2013. "The end of the hospital-centric care model is approaching... success in the value-care arena will require a strong, organized physician platform, along with exceptional communication and HiT infrastructure and capabilities." – Health Affairs, 2013 5 We connect care. So outreach is automated and care managers can focus on the sickest patients. So patients enjoy a seamless care experience across your health system. So referrals go to in-network specialists with the information they need. So health system leaders can connect actions to results: More revenue. Better quality. Loyal patients and physicians. Patient Primary Care Physician In-network Specialist Cloud-based EHR, practice management and care coordination services Proud to be an Offi cial Sponsor of the 5 th Annual Becker's Hospital Review Meeting Find out how our Best in KLAS services can help you connect across the continuum of care. * "2013 Best in KLAS Awards: Software & Services," January, 2014. © 2014 KLAS Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved. www.KLASresearch.com athenahealth is a leading provider of cloud-based services for EHR, practice management and care coordination, named the Best in KLAS #1 Overall Software Vendor for 2013. With a cloud-based network of more than 50,000 providers, athenahealth helps caregivers thrive through change and stay focused on patient care. athenahealth.com/connectcare

• Cover