Utilizing Data to Prepare for the Changing Healthcare Reimbursement Environment: Understanding the Total Cost of Care

Many articles have been written, sound bites given, and rumors have circulated about the future of healthcare reimbursement in America. The only certainty is that there will be changes as payers focus on rewarding value and cost containment over volume of services provided to beneficiaries. Health centers have experienced recent change with implementation of the Medicare PPS reimbursement model during 2014 and more changes are anticipated in the future. Given the foregoing, how should health centers prepare for the future when the reimbursement picture is uncertain? The key will be to utilize data to improve operational decision making. _x000D_
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During this session, presenters will identify the key components of the total cost of care and common misconceptions. They will also address ways health centers can prepare for the discussions internally with management and providers, the board of directors, and external parties. Since the reimbursement system is largely outside of a health center's control, the key to being prepared for change is to understand the drivers of total cost of care so that changes can be made as necessary for the improvement of patient outcomes and maintenance of financial sustainability.

• Understand how to better utilize data to make decisions.
• Identify the key drivers of total cost of care.
• Identify strategies to prepare for the changing healthcare reimbursement environment.