HIMSS 2023 Recap: Harnesssing the Power of Healthcare Data

Over 35,000 healthcare leaders and innovators attended HIMSS 2023 (April 17-21) in Chicago to discuss the latest in delivering data-driven healthcare and the importance of keeping patients at the core of care amidst ever-changing industry dynamics.

The following captures key takeaways from the event.

3 topics on every healthcare leader’s mind

Data, interoperability, and relationships were at the center of many HIMSS presentations and conversations. Healthcare leaders are focused on harnessing the full power of data, in part with interoperability, and on building better relationships across the industry.

Patient-centric care, powered by data

Patient-centric care is the heart of what healthcare should be – but too often, cumbersome processes and addressing information gaps get in the way.

Data-driven strategies are needed to help healthcare providers make better informed decisions about patient care, at the point of care. As data connectivity and accessibility continue to develop, providers can shift their focus from tedious tasks to truly patient-focused care, transforming one-on-one interactions and improving outcomes at scale.

“Inovalon has a broad perspective of data; we have an understanding of the data within the walls of a care setting, as well as the data regarding patients’ everyday life that impacts their health. We bring that data together in a way that seamlessly allows the provider to focus that information and truly understand the patient, whether it’s in the care setting or beyond to make sure they are delivering the best care for the patient.” – Karly Rowe, SVP, Product Management

Data sharing and interoperability

Interoperability is not a new concept, however, it has yet to be truly realized in healthcare. When providers can seamlessly share data across different platforms and systems, everyone will benefit.

Interoperability can empower caregivers and administrative staff to save time in their day and be more impactful in their work. It can help ensure that patients receive the best possible care, regardless of where they seek treatment, by delivering the data providers need to fully understand each person’s unique condition.

As John Chinnici, President and General Manager of Inovalon Insights, stated, “There’s a lot of shiny objects out there (AI, ML, ChatGPT) to chase after as far as innovation and interoperability. But none of it works unless you have the right foundation to support it… none of it matters if you don’t have the right data. At Inovalon, we are very focused on making sure we have that foundation to support the interoperability our industry needs.”

Improving the payer-provider dynamic

Leaders of provider organizations are focused on improving the provider-payer dynamic, with the end-goal of achieving greater efficiency and accuracy in the claims management process by working better, together.

For providers, this can mean leveraging new workflow solutions such as Inovalon’s new RCM Intelligence software, which allows them to understand staff workflow patterns – such as habits that are producing the best results and common mistakes that are holding up the claims submission and adjudication process.

We introduced the software during a fireside chat at our HIMSS 2023 booth and the feedback was clear: This is something providers have been needing for too long, and now, can leverage to accelerate their payments and improve payer relationships.

Life-saving care, from a patient’s perspective

“You can’t skip the work”, said Damar Hamlin, safety for the Buffalo Bills, as he reflected on his life-threatening cardiac arrest which occurred just a few months ago in January 2023 during a live broadcast. His statement was referring to the recovery track he’s on to return to the field, but it also speaks to the work ahead of us in healthcare and the importance of pursuing better patient outcomes every day.

Hamlin addressed the crowd at HIMSS alongside Dr. Ryan Earnest, acute critical care surgeon at UC Health, where Hamlin was treated. Together, they shared lessons from the experience:

• • The value of preparation. The NFL requires medical teams to meet for an hour before every game. Hamlin credited the value of that process – one he wasn’t aware of until he benefited from it – and Dr. Earnest shared the importance of care coordination, even before it’s needed.
  • The importance of personal influence. Since his experience, Hamlin has been raising awareness for CPR training for youth football leagues. Dr. Earnest echoed this idea of influence by touching on the emotional side of care, stating the value of having support of friends and family during critical moments.
  • The ongoing need to address patient access. Hamlin’s story would have likely had a very different outcome if it weren’t for the teams of medical personnel ready to tend to an on-field event. Both Hamlin and Earnest recognize, though, not everyone has that same luxury. Ensuring all patients have equal access to care is still a long road ahead, but it’s clear that health equity conversations must continue.

Building on the momentum from HIMSS 2023

The healthcare industry is well-positioned to provide more effective and patient-focused care in the years to come – but now is the time to leverage data and connectivity to establish a strong foundation for what the future of healthcare can be.

Inovalon empowers players across the healthcare continuum, from payers and providers to pharmacies and life sciences companies, to harness the power of data to improve healthcare outcomes and economics.

Discover how the Inovalon ONE® Platform can help your organization build on the momentum from HIMSS 2023 and create impactful industry transformation.

Inovalon and design^®, Inovalon^®, and the Inovalon ONE^® Platform are trademarks of Inovalon, Inc.