Change Healthcare Releases 8th Annual Industry Pulse Report
National survey of payer perspectives finds high-deductible plans not driving consumerism; health plans are actively addressing social determinants and consumer engagement
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — More than 80% of payers are integrating social determinants of health into their member programs, and nearly all payers no longer believe that high-deductible health plans drive positive consumer behaviors. These are just two of several extraordinary insights revealed in the 8th annual Industry Pulse survey, a new national research survey released today and commissioned by Change Healthcare and the HealthCare Executive Group (HCEG).
The research draws from more than 2,000 healthcare leaders, 52% VP and above, including Change Healthcare customers, HCEG members, and Health Plan Alliance members. The researchers targeted the leaders of these organizations, 27% of whom are at the president or C-suite level. The survey is designed to annually provide healthcare stakeholders with timely insight on opportunities, challenges, and trends in the healthcare market.
“The Industry Pulse results clearly underscore some of the megatrends we’re seeing this year, especially with respect to transformation of care, including population health management, analytics, and consumer engagement—which are pillars of value-based care,” said David Gallegos, senior vice president, Consulting Services, Change Healthcare. “Healthcare organizations are transitioning from negative to positive incentives to influence consumer behavior much faster than most would expect. Payers are also taking aggressive steps to advance value-based care and crack the code to successful consumer engagement.”
Among the findings: “Social Determinants of Health” has transcended buzzword status with more than 80% of respondents already taking steps to promote value-based healthcare by addressing the social needs of their members. Meanwhile, only 3.4% of respondents identified high-deductible health plans as the best approach for converting passive patients into active healthcare consumers. In fact, they seem to be having the opposite effect—spurring more care avoidance than shopping. However, respondents are having success with other approaches that are detailed in the report.
The survey also revealed that mobile/digital health adoption is not just about functionality and interoperability, but more about trust, with nearly 50% of respondents indicating that digital health tools are not more widely embraced due to security and privacy concerns. And while technologies such as blockchain are gaining rapid momentum in healthcare and industry attention is turning to artificial intelligence, robotic process automation, and other advanced technologies, 63% of respondents pointed to clinical data integration as a leading factor supporting administrative cost efficiencies.
In addition to providing perspective on population health and consumer engagement trends, the survey offers a wealth of insight on topics ranging from clinical and data analytics to risk sharing and value-based care. The complete Industry Pulse survey results can be accessed here.
The Industry Pulse survey focuses on payer organizations, but includes the perspectives of other industry stakeholders such as provider organizations and vendors. The survey is developed in partnership with the HealthCare Executive Group and is based on the HCEG Top 10 list compiled by HCEG members during their Annual Forum.
About HealthCare Executive Group
The HealthCare Executive Group (HCEG) is a national network of healthcare executives, thought leaders, and innovators who come together as a group in national, regional and digital events to navigate the strategic and tactical issues facing their organizations. HCEG provides a platform for its members and sponsor partners to promote healthcare innovation and the development of life-long professional relationships. For more information, visit www.hceg.org.
About Change Healthcare
Change Healthcare is inspiring a better healthcare system. Working alongside our customers and partners, we leverage our software and analytics, network solutions, and technology-enabled services to enable better patient care, choice, and outcomes at scale. As a key catalyst of a value-based healthcare system, we are accelerating the journey toward improved lives and healthier communities. Learn more at www.changehealthcare.com.