Ryan Smeets

In this blog post written for Health Tech Idaho by Jason Hudson, Rourke Yeakley, MD and I break down in simple, easy to understand principles of why we need to switch away from historical #feeforservice healthcare billing and care delivery. Enjoy!

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Join the conversation! Our team is facilitating the strategy task force of a hospital client in Washington State this week. We're analyzing surveys, focus groups, market, and organizational data to develop a strategic plan framework for the next three years. What are your favorite and least favorite strategic working session activities? Do you hate ice breakers? Love SWOT analysis? Share your thoughts! #strategicplanning #healthcare #hospital #WashingtonStateHospitals #taskforce #dataanalysis

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🌟 Excited to Share: Top-Flight Behavioral Healthcare for All! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the publication of an important piece on the Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) pilot program. This initiative aims to provide coordinated care for mental health conditions and substance use disorders, linking Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with community-based providers. This comprehensive approach addresses both physical and mental health, as well as social factors like food insecurity and housing instability. A huge shoutout to Dede Kennedy and the NABIP Mental Health Working Group for their incredible efforts. This article was a collaborative effort, with invaluable guidance of the NABIP Consumer Bill of Rights. Two key highlights: • Expanding Coverage: Extending IBH to those with employer-sponsored insurance could increase access and save taxpayers money. • Integrated Approach: Patients will receive health screenings, outpatient care, specialist referrals, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring holistic support. Key Recommendations: • Consistent Care: Ensuring ongoing care to prevent relapse and maintain health improvements. • Adding Dental and Vision Care: Essential for full recovery and community integration. • Employer Marketplace: Expanding the IBH model to include those with employer-sponsored coverage would ensure more people benefit from this comprehensive care approach and could help prevent relapse by maintaining access to critical coordinated care. Go NABIP team! 💪 #MentalHealth #IBHProgram #NABIP #BehavioralHealth #CMS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Modern Healthcare

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We’ve made great strides this quarter, now providing more than 90% in-network insurance coverage in #Utah. This growth led to 16.4% growth quarter over quarter. I am excited to share that we have dug in to develop enterprise-level data analytics to drive more personalized and effective care in the fight to improve health outcomes faster and at a lower patient cost. You can find the full results here: https://lnkd.in/gUt-GHm8 #KindlyMD

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Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/gdcu_X2H Charles Podesta, Chief Information Officer at Renown Health, emphasizes the importance of focusing on data quality and security. He also explores the impact AI will have on cybersecurity, discussing how advancements in technology can both challenge and enhance data protection in healthcare. For more information about Becker's Healthcare, please contact Jessica Cole or Scott Becker. #podcast #healthcare #leadership #innovationinhealthcare

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Open Enrollment for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans has begun. Now until January 15, the federal government re-opens enrollment to the health insurance Marketplace, allowing people who could not take advantage of the open enrollment period previously, to secure health insurance. Remember, if you want your coverage to start January 1, you must be enrolled by December 15. If you enroll between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will become effective starting February 1. Ask your agent about $0 Florida Blue ACA plans or go to GetCoveredFlorida.com to learn how to get started. #2025OpenEnrollment #OpenEnrollmentPeriod #AffordableCareAct #HealthInsuranceMarketplace

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Featured with Forbes Nonprofit Council check out #8 8. Go Back To The Basics I cannot stress enough how going back to the basics for your board is extremely beneficial, such as Robert's Rules of Order. This will help you maintain order even during conflict https://lnkd.in/eP27wnQ6

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Here’s your recap of last week’s health IT news 🗞️ 👇 🤖 AI Clinician Assistant • Commure announced it will acquire Augmedix in a take-private deal. • Suki announced a partnership with Federally Qualified Health Centers and Community Health Centers, including Utah Navajo Health System, Inc., CenterPlace Health , and Access Health Louisiana. • OneHealth is partnering with healthPrecision / Medical Brain to support the former’s Modern Primary Care platform. 📈 Data & Analytics • Huma announced a $80M Series D that included pharma investors AstraZeneca and Leaps by Bayer, as well as the launch of its Huma Cloud Platform, a service that promises to help digital health products scale and launch their products more efficiently. • Intermountain Health partnered with NeuroFlow to better understand its Colorado patients’ behavioral health risks. 🔁 RCM • Medmetrix acquired HRSI - Healthcare Receivable Specialists Inc., accelerating development of its end-to-end solutions. • Thoughtful AI launched new “human-capable” AI agents for claims processing, patient eligibility verification, and payment posting and announced a $20M Series A. 📋 Patient Administration • XO Health Inc. is partnering with Kyruus Health to integrate its price transparency and directory tools. 💼 Provider and Practice Administration • West Tennessee Healthcare is implementing Qventus, Inc. 📱 Patient Support and Communications • Vizient, Inc has contracted with Mytonomy on behalf of its hospital and health system customers. • Tendo added FlyteHealth to its marketplace. • Epic offers a new integration with United Language Group allowing providers to dial-in an interpreter directly from the patient care workflow. ⚙️ Clinical Operations • Wolters Kluwer Health released an update to its UpToDate Pro software designed to support PCPs in prescribing, switching, and titrating antidepressant prescriptions. • Fullscript released two new studies demonstrating higher engagement and improved patient labs. 🍎 VBC • Guidehealth is now offering Story Health to its partner health systems. • Astrana Health is partnering with Elation Health to offer its EHR platform and billing technology to its customers. • Thyme Care closed a $95M series C, including healthcare funds such as CVS Health Ventures, Concord Health Partners, and more. 🧠 Food For Thought • A recent study found that Chat GPT-written patient portal messages were comparable in quality (and better on measures of empathy and communication style) to those drafted by healthcare professionals, according to PCP reviewers. We’re always interested to see physicians’ responses to GenAI solutions, as the tide turns toward greater acceptance of the technology. https://lnkd.in/gMX7ATX2 --- Want the latest healthcare tech news delivered to your inbox each week? Sign up here 📬 👉 https://lnkd.in/e2UJ3ckP

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Medicaid enrollment in Colorado has declined by more than 575,000 people — about 33 percent of the total program size. According to an analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation, Colorado has the largest net Medicaid enrollment decline in the country. Many of those people lost coverage for administrative reasons, not eligibility reasons — meaning that they are still entitled to Medicaid benefits but aren’t getting them. In the Eagle River Valley, this means patients we have known and served for years as Medicaid patients are now seeking care without insurance, and that is straining our capacity to serve everyone. For Mountain Family Health Center, over 2,000 of our patients have lost insurance and become uninsured since this time last year. We calculate that our total lost revenue related to this crisis is $1.5 million on a $25 million budget — a 6 percent decline in one year. https://lnkd.in/gt-v9fuj

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Highly recommend fellow data-nerd Tiffany Quast's article on optimizing direct mail acquisition for all nonprofit leaders to read. She offers 4 essential tips: 1️⃣ Study Your List Mix: Balance performance and cost. 2️⃣ Audience Performance: Tailor messaging for better response. 3️⃣ Use Co-op Sources: Affordable, effective, and minimizes duplication. 4️⃣ Merge Purge Reports: Eliminate costly duplications. Her insights empower us to master data-driven acquisition. Dive in and optimize your strategy! Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gX32_Dv5 #DirectMail #DataOptimization #AcquisitionStrategy #CharityDevelopment

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🌟 Industry Insight: Finding the Perfect Senior Community for Your Loved One 🌟 At CarePatrol of Beaverton, Oregon, our mission is to help families find the ideal senior community that meets their loved one's specific needs and preferences. With the senior care industry continually evolving, it's more important than ever to ensure that seniors are placed in environments where they can thrive. Here’s why finding the perfect match matters: 👵 Customized Care: Every senior has unique health requirements and lifestyle preferences. Matching them with the right community ensures they receive the personalized care and attention they deserve, whether it's for assisted living, memory care, or independent living. 🏡 Enhanced Quality of Life: The right senior community can greatly enhance a senior’s quality of life. From specialized healthcare services to engaging social activities, a well-suited community can provide a vibrant and fulfilling environment. 🤝 Peace of Mind for Families: Knowing your loved one is in a community that caters to their individual needs provides immense peace of mind. It fosters trust and assurance that they are safe, happy, and well-cared-for. 🔍 Expert Guidance: At CarePatrol, our senior care advisors are experts in evaluating and matching seniors with the best possible care options. We take the time to understand each senior’s specific needs, preferences, and budget to find the perfect fit. 💬 Local Expertise: Being a part of the Beaverton community allows us to work closely with local senior living facilities. We stay informed about the latest developments and options available to provide the best recommendations for your loved one. If you or a loved one are considering senior living options, reach out to CarePatrol of Beaverton. Let us guide you through the process and help you find a community where your loved one can truly thrive. 📞 Contact us today at (503) 747-7492 or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gA2YUihE #SeniorCare #BeavertonOR #SeniorLiving #CarePatrol #AssistedLiving #MemoryCare #IndependentLiving #ElderCare

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Just last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded their website to better serve the public. We understand that changes in familiar systems can be challenging to navigate at first, but we believe this update will ultimately provide a more user-friendly and efficient experience for all. We hope these updates will make accessing vital health information easier and more efficient for everyone. The CDC's commitment to providing accurate and timely health information remains unwavering, and these website improvements are a testament to their dedication to public service. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take advantage of the new features on the CDC website to keep up-to-date with the latest health guidelines and resources. Explore the new website: https://www.cdc.gov/ We acknowledge that any new system comes with a learning curve. Here is a video tour to help you get accustomed to the updated CDC website: https://lnkd.in/eB4jKEKA #IPCWell #IPC #Nursinghomesupport #Infectionprevention #LTCF #Healthcare #healthcareheroes #cdc

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The behind-the-scenes data I’m seeing from public-sector employers is downright sickening. Employers like school districts, states, and municipalities are bearing the brunt of some truly inexcusable money flows that are diverting funds away from the provision of care. In the public sector, it’s the worst kind of triple whammy — all the good guys are losing: taxpayers (who are funding these plans), public servants like teachers and firefighters (who are the plan beneficiaries, and who are also funding them), and our public institutions themselves (think money that should be going to better educate children or keep communities safe). I’d love to chat with more HR and benefits leaders, GCs and legal leaders, CFOs, elected officials (like school board members), and brokers serving the public sector — we’ve got to root out the shenanigans and make sure the money you’re paying for healthcare isn’t being artificially inflated by third parties not being held to account and made to pay what they’re responsible for.

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NADSA response to the October 8, 2024 Harris/Walz Medicare Home Care Proposal Statement from NADSA Board of Director’s Chair Bill Zagorski: “The rapidly aging population of our country continues to seek solutions to the crisis in long-term care. The demand for high quality, affordable, and accessible services and supports allowing aging Americans to remain living at home or in the community is growing exponentially. Yesterday’s Medicare Home Care Proposal announcement by Vice President Harris to expand Medicare coverage to assist families who are providing care for their senior family members is an exciting and unique first step in addressing these needs. Adding non-residential, long-term care options (home and community-based services, i.e., HCBS) will better allow millions of Americans to continue to age in place. In addition to home care, Medicare should include Adult Day Services as a Medicare benefit. As an established model, Adult Day Services alleviate the workforce limitations experienced in home care, while providing services in a social environment, effectively eliminating social isolation and loneliness. Adult Day Services already provides the highest quality and most cost-effective care option for hundreds of thousands of adults nationwide and has the ability today to serve hundreds of thousands more as well as affording family caregivers the much-needed respite and support they need to remain in the workforce or engage in the community and still prioritize overall family care.”

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Launching school-based telehealth involves coordination across 2 entities and up to 3 parties. Here are 7 considerations to take into account when you are designing and launching school-based #telehealth: https://buff.ly/46MTfJ6 #TelehealthTuesday

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