Data Integration: Better Connections For Better Value-Based Care

Bringing Together Fragmented Information

One of the biggest ways value-based care is advancing health is by bringing together all of a patient's providers along with their healthcare data. Given the connectivity of electronic medical records (EMRs), it's hard to believe patient records are still commonly shared by mail, fax, or through patients themselves — but it’s true. 

The impact of fragmented health information goes beyond just inconvenience, as it can contribute to worsened health outcomes, increased costs for employees and employers, and reduced employee productivity.

Innovative health leaders like Anthem are working to change that. Value-based care, which focuses on the quality of care, provider performance, and patient experience, includes facilitating the secure exchange of healthcare data among all of a patient's providers — across medical, dental, vision, and specialty care. 

Breaking Down The "Data Silos"

To facilitate this level of integration, Anthem utilizes a system called Health OS. This advanced digital platform connects care providers, payers, and patients by aggregating information from EMRs, health information exchanges, and care management platforms. According to Anthem internal data, more than 10,000 providers and nearly 100 large health systems across the United States now turn to Health OS to receive real-time healthcare data for more than 45 million members. 

By leveraging this connected data, providers can:

• Gain a big-picture view of a patient's health, helping close care gaps that often contribute to costly chronic conditions.
• Collaborate with other providers to deliver the most time- and cost-effective care.
• Ensure patients receive the right care at the right time, in the right setting, reducing costs and improving outcomes. 

According to Elevance Health (Anthem’s parent company) internal reporting, this level of personalization and connectivity has helped produce impressive metrics, including:

• 12% greater adherence to Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures.
• 25% greater medication adherence for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension.
• 15% more primary care physicians connecting with patients in a timely manner post-discharge, which can help avoid readmissions.
• Over 47 million automated admissions, discharges, and transfer (ADT) notifications.

Creating Information-Sharing Efficiencies

Because Health OS integrates seamlessly into providers' existing systems, it can help streamline administrative processes — making it easier for them to deliver patient-centered care. Prior authorizations can be completed electronically. Benefits data is available at the touch of a button. Important notifications such as hospital discharges are received automatically, and immediately. 

In addition, the My Health Records feature on our Sydney^SM Health app and anthembluecross.com is powered by Health OS to receive data directly from all of a member's connected providers. This provides employees with a single destination for information including their lab results, medications, immunizations, and health conditions. 

As technology evolves, the future will yield even greater opportunities for connection and efficiency in healthcare — and the potential for even greater outcomes for patients and employers.