HRO Today: Cloud Considerations

HPM Institute Webcast Report Explores Important Role Cloud Computing Can Play in Improving Health Plan Performance

Bethesda, MD – A new report from the Healthcare Performance Management Institute summarizes the findings of a live Webcast, titled “Building a High Performance Engine for Healthcare: Why Cloud Architecture Matters,” held earlier this month. The written report explores the role cloud computing can play in improving health plan performance. The Institute gathered a panel of experts from various industries and the technology community to discuss reasons organizations should move away from legacy architectures. Included in the panel were:

• Michael Clark, Vice President of Development with Pacific Intermedia, who has served on over 30 Enterprise N-Tier Healthcare Projects. Clark has extensive experience in IT platform design and scalability and has guided Pacific Intermedia's move into Telehealth, executing projects in Europe and Asia.

• Todd C. Thompson, Chief Technology Officer for the Financial Services & Human Capital line of business within Lockheed Martin Corporation. Thompson has worked for Lockheed Martin for 23 years of his 30-year career in information technology. He is a recognized expert on utilizing information technology to solve business problems for large enterprises in both the commercial and federal sectors.

• Henry Cha, President of Healthcare Interactive, is a healthcare technologist who specializes in delivering software as a service (SaaS) offerings that help companies better manage employee healthcare programs and related costs. His SaaS technologies provide a simplified and consolidated environment for employee members. He is also an expert in using computational and statistical techniques to present and analyze health data.

With the ultimate goal of a major health plan transformation initiative being to reduce costs and risks while improving outcomes, three pillars are critical to their success:

• Data aggregation from disparate sources;
• Shared data analysis at both granular and general levels; and
• Interactive collaboration among health plan members, Care Managers, healthcare providers and employers.

The report goes on to discuss how highly siloed legacy systems present strategic, technological and operational barriers that can significantly inhibit the ability to achieve these objectives. Panelists also noted that cloud-computing architectures offer the best opportunity to provide an infrastructural foundation to support these requirements across organizations.

To read the post event Webcast report, please visit http://www.hpminstitute.org/content/webcast-report-why-cloud-computing-architecture-matters

To view the on-demand version of the Webcast, visit: http://www.hpminstitute.org/content/building-high-performance-engine-healthcare-why-cloud-computing-architecture-matters-0

About the HPM Institute

The Healthcare Performance Management Institute (HPM Institute) is a research and education organization dedicated to promoting the use of business technology and management principles that deliver better and more cost-effective healthcare benefits for employers who cover their employees.

The Institute’s mission is to introduce and develop a new corporate discipline called Healthcare Performance Management (HPM) -- a technology-enabled business strategy that tackles the challenge of controlling healthcare cost and quality in much the same way that enterprises have optimized customer relations, supply chain management and enterprise resource management. HPM provides C-level executives with visibility and control over company healthcare benefits spending trends and risk management postures, while protecting individual employee privacy.

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The Self-Insurer: An Expert’s View of Captives for Health Plans

New Webcast Recording: Building a High Performance Engine for Healthcare: Why Cloud Computing Architecture Matters

New Success Story of Viking Range Corporation Shows How Firm Saved $1.1 Million on Health Benefits through Engagement Technology

BETHESDA, Md. (December 5, 2011) Today, the Healthcare Performance Management Institute released the latest in its series of profiles of companies that are saving money on their health benefits by adopting innovative new data analytics technology.

In its latest report, the Institute investigates the success of Viking Range Corporation, a Greenwood, Mississippi-based appliance manufacturer. By marshalling sophisticated healthcare performance management software to analyze its existing healthcare data, Viking was able to trim over $1.1 million from its health spending between 2009 and 2010 without sacrificing its benefits.

"The HPM software we used delivered in-depth analysis of our healthcare plan without compromising our member’s privacy," said Beth Tackett, Director of Human Resources at Viking Range Corporation. "We have a better understanding of the factors driving our health plan costs, and our technology-enabled wellness programs are reducing those costs."

The HPM Institute report chronicles how cloud-based software furnished by Bethesda, Md.-based WellNet Healthcare Group identified Viking employees with potentially costly health risks. The world-renowned luxury appliance manufacturer then deployed a team of registered-nurse care managers to personally reach out to employees to implement plans that would help them improve their health.

Care Managers have engaged 54 percent of the Viking workforce after just two years, thanks in part to a well-structured incentive program that encourages them to stay healthy. As a result, the company's hospital admissions are down 9 percent. Between 2009 and 2010, Viking saved 16 percent -- or more than $1,400 per employee -- in medical costs.

The HPM strategy has had a positive impact on productivity and attendance. "There’s no doubt that the employees who have participated in the process are more productive," said Tackett. "As we remain engaged and active with this approach, we expect healthcare costs to continue to decrease."

"It is such a differentiator to employees when a company has a rich benefits program, including its healthcare coverage. We’ve taken pride in being able to offer that to our employees," concluded Tackett. "And it's heartening to get positive feedback on this approach from our employees."

"The Viking Range success story is another example of how forward-looking firms are using HPM technology to reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of employee health," said George Pantos, Executive Director of the HPM Institute.

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To download a copy of the HPM Institute's success story on Viking Range Corporation, please visit http://www.hpminstitute.org/Viking_Range_Corporation_Success_Story.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Beth Tackett, Viking Range Corporation’s Director of Human Resources; Keith Lemer, President of WellNet Healthcare Group; or George Pantos, Executive Director of the HPM Institute, please contact Robby Schrum at 202-471-4228 or rschrum@hpminstitute.org. 

About the HPM Institute

The Healthcare Performance Management Institute (HPM Institute) is a research and education organization dedicated to promoting the use of business technology and management principles that deliver better and more cost-effective healthcare benefits for employers who cover their employees.

The Institute’s mission is to introduce and develop a new corporate discipline called healthcare performance management (HPM) -- a technology-enabled business strategy that tackles the challenge of controlling healthcare cost and quality in much the same way that enterprises have optimized customer relations, supply chain management and enterprise resource management. HPM provides C-level executives with visibility and control over company healthcare benefits spending trends and risk management postures, while protecting individual employee privacy.

About Viking Range Corporation

Viking Range Corporation is an ultra-premium major appliance manufacturer and culinary lifestyle company that originated commercial-type appliances for the home and is the creator of the “Professional” category of major appliances. Viking is headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi. Viking major appliances are sold through a network of premium appliance distributors and dealers worldwide, and Viking culinary products are sold through a network of premium gourmet retailers. To request product information, please contact Viking toll-free at 888.845.4641, or visit the web site at vikingrange.com. VIKING is a registered trademark of Viking Range Corporation.

About WellNet Healthcare Group

WellNet Healthcare Group, a national healthcare management company, is a leader in providing employers and plan sponsors fully integrated, performance-driven healthcare services. Leveraging the lowest net cost Rx benefit and using this data set as the earliest indicator to predict future risks and costs in real-time. WellNet’s proven management, measurement and highly targeted member-engagement approach uses cutting-edge technology to deliver accelerated and unprecedented cost savings and efficiency gains that lower total medical benefit expenses today. For more information, visit www.wellnet.com.

For The Record: How Tweet It Is

HPM Institute to Host Webcast: Building a High-Performance Engine for Healthcare: Why Cloud Computing Architecture Matters

Bethesda, MD – The Healthcare Performance Management Institute will hold a Webcast on December 1, 2011 titled “Building a High-Performance Engine for Healthcare: Why Cloud Computing Architecture Matters.”

The Webcast will feature a renowned panel of experts who will explore the role of cloud computing in optimizing health plan management. This is a critical issue because cloud computing will have an immense impact on the economics of health plan management over the months and years to come. A growing number of organizations in the public and private sectors are scrambling for new ways to streamline operations and reduce costs while securing better healthcare outcomes for health plan members.
 

The Webcast will explore:  

• Bringing together health plan management data that is scattered across different databases for consolidated analysis;
• Creating an architectural framework that allows meaningful analysis to take place for better decision-making;
• Allowing managers to collaborate across organizational boundaries in a constructive and HIPAA-compliant manner; and
• Accelerating the creation and adoption of shared health plan management strategies that reduce costs while improving outcomes of covered members.
   

The Institute has assembled an impressive panel of experts to discuss these issues:  

• Henry Cha, President of Healthcare Interactive, a healthcare technologist who specializes in delivering software as a service (SaaS) offerings that help companies better manage employee healthcare programs and related costs.
• Todd C. Thompson is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Financial Services & Human Capital line of business within Lockheed Martin Corporation.  
• Michael Clark, Vice President of Development for Pacific Intermedia, a professional services and technology development organization serving the financial, healthcare, manufacturing and government markets.

The Webcast will be moderated by Lane Cooper, Editorial Director of the HPM Institute.
 

To register for this free Webcast, please go to: www.hpminstitute.org/Webcast/CloudArchitecture
 

About the HPM Institute
The Healthcare Performance Management Institute (HPM Institute) is a research and education organization dedicated to promoting the use of business technology and management principles that deliver better and more cost-effective healthcare benefits for employers who cover their employees.

The Institute's mission is to introduce and develop a new corporate discipline called Healthcare Performance Management (HPM) -- a technology-enabled business strategy that tackles the challenge of controlling healthcare cost and quality in much the same way that enterprises have optimized customer relations, supply chain management and enterprise resource management.

Institute Executive Director Awarded Industry Leadership Award by DC Captive Insurance Council

HPM Institute Executive Director George Pantos was awarded the Industry Leadership Award by the DC Captive Insurance Council (CIC-DC ) for his time serving as Council Past President and President Emeritus. Pantos, along with 34 other honorees, was recognized by the Council for his commitment to serving in a leadership role for the past 10 years and for helping CIC-DC achieve success as both a domicile and association for the captive industry.
  

Pantos was recognized at an anniversary reception at The Madison Hotel on October 23 in Washington, DC. Other honorees included Ashley Williams-Nuemann, CIC-DC Past President, Richard Goff of The Taft Companies, Larry Smith of MedStar Health, Jim Caldwell of Caring Communities and several past CIC-DC insurance commissioners. For a full list of honorees, please visit www.dccaptives.org. 

Formed in November 2001, CIC-DC has used networking and educational programs and conferences to offer a corporate and association community dedicated to operating captive insurance companies in the the DC area. Additionally, CIC-DC offers a forum for member discussions about legislation, regulations and other government actions that will effect member interests.

New Webcast Report: Public Sector Strategies For Reducing Healthcare Costs While Improving Outcomes

Human Resource Executive Magazine: To Self-Insure...Or Not?

HPM Institute Webcast Highlights How Public Sector Can Reduce Costs Under New Health Law

BETHESDA, MD. -- Public-sector organizations are facing steep budget deficits and seemingly impossible deadlines for complying with the federal healthcare law. But new technology can help states and local agencies meet their obligations, according to a recent webcast hosted by the Healthcare Performance Management (HPM) Institute.

"Cloud-based computing methods can allow agencies to provide better benefits at lower cost," said George Pantos, Executive Director of the HPM Institute and moderator of the webcast. "Leaders at all levels of government should embrace this game-changing technology."

Gene Walker, President of HCI Federal, a provider of cloud-based healthcare solutions to the public sector, explained that federal agencies must simplify their processes for handling data if they want to effectively implement reform.

"Many federal agencies will find that sharing information with each other will smooth the transition to a new health benefits landscape, " Walker said. "Cloud computing facilitates the exchange of that information in ways previously thought impossible."

Liddy Garcia-Bunuel of Healthy Howard, a community health plan for the uninsured in Howard County, Maryland, laid out how cloud computing will help state and local officials set up health reform's new insurance exchanges.

"Given today's challenging fiscal environment, states can't afford any hiccups as they set up their exchanges," said Garcia-Bunuel. "In Howard County, we've used cloud technology to deliver benefits more efficiently and to support robust wellness initiatives that both save money and improve beneficiaries' health. Officials elsewhere should consider what they can learn from our experience."

Alice Burton, a Maryland-based health policy expert, pointed out that cloud-based technology can ensure that consumers have positive experiences in the new health exchanges.

"The technical aspects of the exchanges operations are important, but we must remember the importance of a seamless consumer experience," Burton said. "Cloud-based solutions can ensure that state exchanges operate as well or even better than existing insurance marketplaces."

"Cloud computing enables collaboration not only between doctors and patients but also among those who manage health plans," Walker said. "If public-sector officials can capitalize on the promise of cloud-based technology, they'll be able to reduce costs and improve the health of their workforces."
 
                                                            

Click here to listen to the Webcast recording.

Data Center Post: Healthcare Technology + Cloud Computing = Real Cost Savings

New Webcast Recording Available: Public Sector Strategies for Reducing Healthcare Costs While Improving Outcomes

Business Insurance: Employee Health Risks May Be Identified by Predictive Modeling

EMR Daily News: Cloud Computing Softens the Blow of Implementing New Healthcare Law

Cloud Softens the Blow of Implementing New Healthcare Law

Combining healthcare technology with cloud computing yields real cost savings

BETHESDA, MD. (September 13) -- Organizations preparing to comply with the new federal health reform law are facing unexpected costs as well as concerns about their ability to provide high-quality benefits.

But according to "Building a High Performance Engine for Healthcare," a new report from the Healthcare Performance Management Institute, they need not worry about their healthcare futures. New cloud computing technologies will revolutionize the way that they manage their health benefits programs.

"Cloud technologies allow for unprecedented levels of collaboration among employers, their employees, and those who deliver healthcare," said George Pantos, Executive Director of the Healthcare Performance Management (HPM) Institute. "Previously, executives had to make massive investments if they wanted to build the infrastructure needed to accumulate and analyze health-benefits or other business-process data. The cloud can now do that for them -- at a fraction of the price."

By consulting HPM software running on the cloud, executives can measure the real-time performance of their health plans and instantaneously identify opportunities for savings. Cloud-based architecture can draw on data from multiple silos and then integrate and analyze that data so that managers have the best possible information on which to base their decisions.

"One of our clients has saved more than $3 million in healthcare costs in one year by utilizing cloud-based analytics, incentives and proactive member engagement through a program called ‘Healthpons,’" said Henry Cha, President of Glenwood, Md.-based Healthcare Interactive (HCI) and a founding member of the HPM Institute. "Healthpons are similar to offerings by Groupon and Living Social -- they're healthcare coupons that serve as incentives to drive consumerism and savings."

"Employers are under tremendous pressure to deliver health benefits that yield better outcomes and bend the cost curve down," said Pantos. "Companies that place cloud computing at the center of their technological strategy will be able to fulfill that mission."

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For more information or to set up an interview with Healthcare Performance Management Institute Executive Director George Pantos, please contact Robby Schrum at rschrum@hpminstitute.org or 202-471-4228.

To download a copy of "Building a High Performance Engine for Healthcare: Why the Cloud Matters," please visit www.hpminstitute.org/content/building-high-performance-engine-healthcare-why-cloud-matters.

About the HPM Institute

The Healthcare Performance Management Institute (HPM Institute) is a research and education organization dedicated to promoting the use of business technology and management principles that deliver better and more cost-effective healthcare benefits for employers who cover their employees.

The Institute’s mission is to introduce and develop a new corporate discipline called Healthcare Performance Management (HPM) — a technology-enabled business strategy that tackles the challenge of controlling healthcare cost and quality in much the same way that enterprises have optimized customer relations, supply chain management and enterprise resource management. HPM provides C-level executives with visibility and control over company healthcare benefits spending trends and risk management postures, while protecting individual employee privacy.

Talent Management Magazine: Wheeling in Health Care Savings

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Speaking at CFO conference, Institute Executive Director says plan data is a hidden asset in controlling health costs

HPM Institute Webcast Highlights How Cloud Computing Can Cut Health Costs

BETHESDA, MD. (July 28) -- Cloud computing is revolutionizing the way that private-sector interests are managing and delivering their healthcare benefits, according to several experts who spoke during a webcast hosted yesterday by the Healthcare Performance Management Institute.

"In the employee benefits arena, cloud computing is now more than a promise," said George Pantos, Executive Director of the HPM Institute. "It's helping create a new business model as companies abandon their own more expensive in-house platforms and turn to this new computing method in order to provide better care at lower cost."

Cindy LaQuatra, a senior consultant at Benefits Resource Group in Independence, Ohio, spoke at the webcast as well. "The days of managing your group health plan by making plan design changes and shifting health costs to employees are over," said LaQuatra. "New technology can help employers save money while still providing comprehensive benefit programs to employees. Firms manage their liability coverage and workers' compensation very well. They must be proactive and do the same with their health plans."

The webcast also surveyed audience members on how they use technology within their organizations to manage health costs. Fifty-five percent of participants believed that their firms used analytics to manage their health benefits before risks surfaced. Sixty percent stated that their companies were able to aggregate healthcare data from multiple sources to identify risk, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes.

LaQuatra pointed out that although many insurance carriers claim to utilize predictive modeling and health coaching, they have lower engagement rates with employees and limited reporting capabilities. "In my experience, employers working with trusted, expert third parties are far more effective at leveraging healthcare data to cut costs and improve outcomes."

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If you'd like an electronic version of the first HPM Institute Webcast -- "How Cloud Technology is Bending the Healthcare Cost Curve for Enterprises" -- please contact Robby Schrum at rschrum@hpminstitute.org or 202-471-4228.