Bill Siwicki

Telemedicine can bring down the wait to see a specialist from months to hours, while reducing costs. Health systems can do well to create telehealth-first specialist programs that refer to in-person visits when necessary, a teledermatologist says.

The health system uses technology that works with physicians in the EHR to ensure charting is complete and precise. Capturing a more accurate case mix index led to a seven-figure reimbursement boost the first year.

The Mid-South health system identified over twice as many incidental pulmonary nodules, half of which were in a higher-risk group that needs timely clinical review. And it saw $3.44 million in incremental direct margin from downstream services.

Lower abandonment rates, shorter wait times and increased appointment scheduling are just three areas where artificial intelligence has helped the hospital address costly communication challenges and improve patient experience.

UnitedHealthcare is one payer that's limiting coverage of remote patient monitoring. But a recent OIG report on RPM and Medicare could fuel further expansion of this valuable virtual care approach.

The health system's chief physician executive tells the story of 10,000 potentially critical findings available to radiologists within three minutes, more than 650 hours of read time efficiency gains, and much more.

The healthcare industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in digital health infrastructure, one that prioritizes interoperability, clinician efficiency and patient-centered care – and where AI and advanced analytics play key roles.

Intentional governance, process redesign, change management and data strategy all must be addressed to achieve optimal electronic records, says Barry Mathis, managing principal of IT advisory consulting at PYA.

The Therapy Network has reduced claim denials by one-third and more than doubled its therapist visit volume. Its therapists now spend less time writing notes and more time seeing patients, and the billing team catches issues before claims go out.

As we look to 2026, there's a bright future for well-governed healthcare information to advance artificial intelligence innovation and promote value-based care, an expert says.