Guide to Coding Virtual Care During COVID-19
COVID-19 has created an unprecedented shift towards all things digital. Millions of employees have been working from home over the last several weeks. Education has also moved online and highlighted quite a few disparities along the way. Unsurprisingly, telehealth visits have become more popular - and more normalized - as the healthcare community continues to battle COVID-19, especially after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) relaxed guidelines on it. "Habits that we form now will grow into preferences and default behaviors, and patients won’t want to return to a pre-COVID-19, less-convenient form of in-person healthcare," says Bob Kocher, MD,…
Unlocking Potential: Leveraging Data for Public Health
The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the healthcare industry’s progress on Big Data management and strategy. The known benefits of the data movement in healthcare are significant. Over the past decade, providers have expanded investments in population health management, and many have an enhanced understanding and care plan for patients with chronic diseases. The migration to value-based care is accelerating, which requires providers acquire an institutional understanding of their data for cost containment strategies as well. Measurable progress has been made; however, the industry is barely scratching the surface. The unrealized potential is now under a bright spotlight. Locating…
Making Mental Health a Priority for Healthcare Professionals
May 1 marked the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, this month has worked to "increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness." Media campaigns, local events, and digital spaces have highlighted not only mental health to millions of people but also strategies to help us maintain it. This year, it feels more important than ever to take a step back and focus on mental wellbeing. That's especially true for our heroes on the front line and behind the scene in healthcare. As we continue to face…
