Missouri, Washington and Arkansas’ Data Systems Mentioned in Report on “Better Outcomes”

According to the report, “data analytics have perhaps a greater amount of untapped potential for Health and Human Service Agencies than any other type of technology because for far too long,

Government data has been siloed across departments or imprisoned in systems

unable to talk to each other.  This is changing as technology evolves to process huge data sets and policymakers and department heads realize the benefits of data-driven

decision-making done in real time.”  The report indicated that many states are in the early stages of realizing what better utilization of data can do for them.

Arkansas is highlighted in the report for the way the state is leveraging claims data to provide report cards on episodes of care and communicating average costs to providers. This information is part of a bigger push to improve outcomes and lower costs for Medicaid services.  In Washington State, the Department of Social and Health Services’ integrated client database provides a comprehensive view of the life experiences of residents and families who are part of the social services system. The database allows the state to move away from simply processing transactions and take a proactive approach. Washington uses data to understand which early interventions make the most difference and which services can best help each person.  Missouri is also mentioned in the report for its data-sharing project with the state’s departments of Mental Health and Social Services. The project includes the implementation of an online portal that can be accessed using Missouri’s health information exchange (HIE). Within the portal, data can be shared with primary care physicians and community mental health facilities, which often treat patients with severe chronic conditions. Under the strategy, hospital use is down by 20 percent and emergency room visits fell by 12 percent among Medicaid enrollees. The drop in emergency room visits alone will save the state $8 million annually. 

FMI:  Read the full report here https://afd34ee8b0806295b5a7-9fbee7de8d51db511b5de86d75069107.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/GOV15_SR_HHS_V.PDF