“Keep analytics clear, simple, and interactive in order to deliver effective care transformation messages.” That was the message Kurt Harden, President and Chief Operating Officer of MedBen Analytics, delivered to hospitals, health systems, and consultants at a recent national conference for the newest iteration of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid value-based payment initiative known as the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR).
Harden spoke at the CJR Boot Camp held in Miami, Florida on September 24th and 25th, talking with participants about the use of analytics to guide care transformation. “There is very good information available about how health systems across the country have saved money in lower joint replacements. Build analytics with this knowledge in mind,” he said.
CJR is mandated in 67 markets across the United States, and affects over 800 health systems performing lower joint replacements for Medicare recipients. MedBen Analytics performs data analytics services for hospitals participating in the CJR program, turning Medicare claim data under the program into care improvement insights.
In his comments, Harden encouraged participants to keep care transformation analytics focused on key cost-saving areas and avoid being distracting by “interesting but unactionable” data. He also gave examples from MedBen’s proprietary analytics portal, showing how to mine the Medicare claims data for savings opportunities in the CMS value-based care initiatives.
“The post-acute setting is rich with savings potential,” Harden observed. “Skilled nursing care, readmissions, even home health care costs should be monitored closely.”
MedBen Analytics is a subsidiary of MedBen Administrators and provides analytics services for health systems across the country. Organizations interested in discussing MedBen Analytics can call Harden at 888-633-2364 or email him at kharden@medben.com.