
Surveying healthcare organizations revealed a stark compliance gap with the 21st Century Cures Act’s interoperability mandates. Despite substantial investment (61%), only 41% reported full adherence. Data quality readiness stands at a meager 36%. The study encompassing 197 executives highlighted critical deficits: inadequate patient data exchange, consent management, and technical infrastructure. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed disincentives for information blockers, underscoring the urgency. Forecasts anticipate a surge in data flow, but concerns loom over patient matching errors and duplications. The healthcare landscape faces a looming crisis without swift rectification.
The healthcare sector confronts pivotal challenges in complying with the 21st Century Cures Act, evident in a survey’s findings. Despite notable efforts, a majority (61%) of healthcare entities fall short of achieving full interoperability compliance. Crucial aspects such as data quality programs, patient consent management, and technical infrastructure remain inadequately addressed. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposes stringent measures to curb information blocking, signaling a critical need for immediate action. Anticipated data surges pose potential risks, particularly concerning patient data accuracy. This paper delves into the survey’s revelations, shedding light on healthcare’s pressing need for comprehensive compliance.
Despite 61 percent of these entities allocating resources toward meeting the Act’s interoperability mandates, a mere 36 percent reported having the requisite data quality systems in place, according to a survey conducted by Big Village in collaboration with health IT provider Verato. This study gathered insights from 197 executives involved in overseeing patient data management within hospitals, health systems, and healthcare payers.
The 21st Century Cures Act introduced directives aimed at ensuring secure health data exchange among payers, providers, and consumers, including the finalization of an information-blocking rule earlier in the year.
Further Developments:
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a rule to establish disincentives for information blocking by hospitals and health systems. This proposal suggests that eligible hospitals found engaged in information blocking by the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) could face limitations on incentives via programs like the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program, the Quality Payment Program, and the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
Regarding preparedness for specific Cures Act provisions, less than half of the surveyed respondents confirmed full compliance in key areas, including:
– Sending electronic notifications of patient activity to other healthcare organizations (44 percent)
– Obtaining patient consent and authorization for data sharing with external entities (46 percent)
– Maintaining secure technical infrastructure for information exchange (43 percent)
– Sharing patient-level information both with patients and other healthcare organizations (43 percent)
– Receiving patient-level information from external healthcare organizations and systems (43 percent)
Moreover, the survey highlighted that 98 percent of healthcare executives anticipate a surge in data requests from other organizations, with 97 percent expecting an influx of external data into their systems.
Amid this data influx, 57 percent of respondents foresee a looming “healthcare crisis” due to patient matching errors in the coming five to 10 years.
Current data from AHIMA indicates that most hospitals experience a duplicate record rate of around 10 percent, which can soar up to 20 percent in health systems housing multiple facilities.
The survey’s revelations underscore the pressing urgency for healthcare organizations to bolster compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act’s interoperability requirements. Despite significant investments, critical deficits persist in data quality management, consent procedures, and secure information exchange. The proposed HHS measures against information blockers highlight the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for proactive rectification. Forecasts predicting heightened data flows raise concerns regarding patient data accuracy and duplicate records, potentially leading to a healthcare crisis. Immediate and concerted efforts are imperative to bridge the existing gaps and fortify healthcare’s ability to navigate the evolving landscape of data interoperability.