Managed Healthcare Executive - October 2008 - (Page 21)

HE’S STATE OF THE Industry Survey ndings show that 44.6% of those surveyed did not envision using or implementing any of the technological innovations listed. This could mean that there is no clear direction on where healthcare organizations want to focus their resources, say industry experts. “The disparity between tools that manage risk and those that manage access demonstrates an indecisive market,” says Jerry Osband, MD, chief medical o cer at TriZetto. “Healthcare buyers are unclear on which solutions will bring them the strongest return for both the near and long term. All [of the innovations listed] are progressive technologies, M TECHNOLOGY but no one approach is perceived as showing a clear bene t, despite existing capabilities.” While indecisiveness could play a role, Paul Keckley, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, believes cautiousness in the face of eroding operating margins and increased medical costs may play an even bigger role. “For managed care executives, deployment of capital that has the potential to lower premiums is a necessary priority,” Keckley says. “Employers and enrollees are pressing plans to provide more value while lowering costs for services. Understandably, CFOs are maintaining caution in capital deployment.” INTERACTIVE AND ONLINE Risk management and access are topof-mind with respondents—indicated by the almost 41% of them who said they will use interactive chronic care management and appointment scheduling online. “It is critical for healthcare executives to manage both access and risk to be successful,” Dr. Osband says. “Interactive chronic care management tools enable the management of clinical identi cation and risk management, while online appointment scheduling enables the management of member access. These two options are the logical top choices, given the priorities of managed care executives.” ROUTINE INTERACTION Keckley says that the MHE data points to routine interaction with patients and pharmacies—“appropriately setting the stage for technologyenabled self-care via in-home monitoring devices and personal health records. “These technologies exist already, but their use has been limited due to payment by plans as the rationale for non-use,” Keckley continues. “Ironically, patients including seniors, enthusiastically support their use and prefer physicians who use technology appropriately.” That said, member education about the clinical and nancial improvements achieved through technology-enabled care management must be a top priority for plans. “Consumers want improved accuracy in their diagnostics and treatment plans that reduce the incidence of bad outcomes,” Keckley says. “These are achieved best using technology.” MHE OCTOBER 2008 Technological Innovations Implementing in 2009 44.6% 21.4% 19.4% 13.5% 13.5% 7.9% None of the above Interactive chronic care management online Appointment scheduling online Physician e-visits Remote Communication monitoring or information devices in sent to consumer patients’ homes cell phones Respondents were able to choose more than one Source: Managed Healthcare Executive Reader Survey, 2008 21

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Managed Healthcare Executive - October 2008 For Your Benefit Editorial Advisors Contents News Analysis State Report Politics &�Policy Healthcare Reform Trends in 2009 Cost Control Strategies Predicted Premium Increase Top Challenges in 2009 IT System Integration Technology Innovation Disease Management Health Management Pharmacy Best Practices Technology Desktop Resource Ad/Edit Index Managed Care Outlook Statement of Ownership

Managed Healthcare Executive - October 2008

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