COVID-19 Highlights the Need for Data Science to Help Care for Members with Chronic Conditions

A recent article in the American Journal of Managed Care makes the case that COVID-19 provides a strong impetus for expanding the use of clinical registries and virtual care delivery to health plan members with chronic diseases. The physician authors outlined a paradigm that incorporates “real-time clinical registries…a range of synchronous and asynchronous virtual platforms…[and] the power of social networks to facilitate healthy behavior change.”

It’s an ambitious vision, but one whose time has come. Digital technology exists to make it happen. Just as important, the data required to drive telemedicine, streamline case management, and inform healthcare decisions is not only available but also rich and subject to sophisticated analysis and mobilization.

Data Science Is the Catalyst

Data science has the power to identify, classify, and monitor patients based on a number of attributes, including the existence and severity of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV. Precise data selection and comprehensive analysis can deliver actionable insights in a number of areas relating to the care of patients with chronic conditions:

• Health Informatics – Integrating and cross-referencing data collected from cloud-based and internet of things-connected devices will speed the corroboration and confirmation of diagnoses, treatment options, and coordinated care across providers, health plans, and patients.
• Population Care Management – Whether the goal is to facilitate value-based care or manage the next COVID-19, telehealth monitors that effectively store and transmit data to plans’ analytical partners will improve outcomes and cut costs. Wearable devices, scanners, and video consultations all can contribute data that empower data scientists to consider environmental and social factors, genetics and family histories, geographies, and other determinants of health in advising treatment options.
• Record Storage and Retrieval – Storing electronic health records (EHR) on the cloud allows physicians and trusted employees access from any connected location. Labs, primary care physicians, specialists, and first responders can update patient information so it is always current.
• Monitoring and Measurement – Data obtained and evaluated promptly and correctly ensures plans comply with HEDIS® and other regulations. Case managers can keep track of, prioritize, and schedule follow-up e-visits, rehabilitation appointments based on patient conditions, location, and other factors. They can monitor adherence to treatment plans and arrange for delivery of prescription medication.

Affinitē activates data through a powerful decision engine that stratifies and prioritizes populations and individuals with chronic conditions. Clinicians and case managers access these data from an intuitive dashboard customized for each population or patient. 

Contact us for more information!