Best Practices for Payer-Provider Partnerships

When healthcare providers and payers forge strong collaborations, it quickens the amount of time it takes to turn medical research into usable procedures, according to a report from the Alliance of Community Health Plans.

Fitbit Launches Wearables Coaching Service for Payers

Fitbit unveiled a connected wearables health platform on its new Fitbit Plus app Sept. 19, which integrates health coaching, activity tracking and virtual care services to help users manage chronic conditions.

Health Plans Encourage Wearables; Few Integrate Data

While health plans encourage wearables, the assessment of the benefits of wearables has been the target of several recent studies. Researches are interested in discovering the “stickiness” of the devices and their effect on wellness program success. The studies note that the Inside employer and payer wellness programs as well as the independent user reflect positively.

2016 Excellence in Behavioral Health Program Design

Excellence in Mental Health Act and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

2016 is going to be a big year for Behavioral Health, thanks to The Excellence in Mental Health Act (ExACT) passed in 2014. the ExACT is a crucial step towards taking Behavioral healthcare off the back burner and sparking an important discussions on mental health. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health the program will “increase Americans’ access to community mental health and substance use treatment services while improving Medicaid reimbursement for these services.” The program has allocated over $1 billion to help protect and enhance community based mental health programs, which is the largest federal investment in behavioral health services in a very long time. Let’s take a look at the progress the Excellence in Mental Health Act has already made and what might be in store for 2016.

What HIPAA audits mean for your organization

hipaa enforcement

We’ve talked about HIPAA audits before, but today, we want to go over what a HIPAA audit can actually mean for your organization. There are both positive and negative implications for the increased security around patient health information, so let’s see what exactly they are.

Software-Related HIPAA Risks

HIPAA Software-Related Risks

We all know that HIPAA risks can in many shapes and sizes. But as the workday gets busy, it becomes easier and easier for breaches to happen–even when it’s an accident. More specifically, software-related HIPAA risks are one common stumbling block. When ePHI information is compromised, it can result in a costly fine.

Here’s what you need to know about software-related HIPAA risks.