Academic health system recognized for successful results after integrating evidence-based tools into population health program

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — MCG Health, part of the Hearst Health network and an industry leader in technology-enabled, evidence-based guidance, has named UC San Diego Health a recipient of its 2023 Richard L. Doyle Award for Innovation and Leadership in Healthcare. The award is presented annually to two organizations — one payer and one provider — that use MCG solutions in exceptional ways to achieve improved patient care, reduce unnecessary costs, and optimize efficiency.

UC San Diego Health, an academic health system headquartered in San Diego, California, earned this prestigious award for seamlessly integrating evidence-based tools into its groundbreaking care management program. This initiative has not only revolutionized the delivery of care, better aligning with providers’ and patients’ individual needs but has also resulted in substantial cost savings and a three-year accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

The integration of MCG’s evidence-based tools into the electronic health record (EHR) module, powered by the Epic Healthy Planet platform, marks a significant advancement in streamlining systems. The primary objectives of this redesign were to reduce avoidable hospital readmissions, enhance patient outcomes, and align with the Quadruple Aim, a variation of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim.

UC San Diego Health Population Health utilizes this integrated approach to support prior authorizations, inpatient/surgical determinations, and level-of-care transition planning. The integrated workflow further aids UC San Diego Health Disease Management, Transitions of Care, and Complex Care Management teams, providing seamless patient outreach and documentation capabilities as they collaborate with providers and monitor patient progress through the Epic EHR.

Key Outcomes of UC San Diego Health’s Population Health Program Include:

• Achieving over $1 million in annual shared savings
• Securing a three-year accreditation from NCQA for Population Health Management
• 35% reduction in avoidable Medicare admissions (348 /k to 225 /k) over a six-year period (2017-2023)
• Notable reductions in inpatient admissions and emergency room visits for patients engaged with UC San Diego Health’s Complex Care Management team
• Consistently high patient satisfaction survey scores, exceeding 92% or higher
• Top-tier performance in annual clinical quality audits by the California Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA)

Parag Agnihotri, UC San Diego Health Population Health’s Chief Medical Officer, remarked on the recognition, stating, “Integrating MCG’s evidence-based tools into our innovative, care management program has been pivotal in achieving our organization’s commitment to the ‘Quadruple Aim of healthcare.’ This not only enhances the quality of patient care but also optimizes resource utilization and improves overall health outcomes. It’s a testament to our dedication to transformative healthcare practices and ensuring that every decision is grounded in the best available evidence, for the betterment of our community’s health.”

Of the recognition, MCG Health President and CEO, Jon Shreve said, “The UC San Diego Health team has achieved a unique trifecta of success: a strong win for patients, providers, and the community of San Diego.” He added, “The UC San Diego Health Population Health leadership has demonstrated an innovative mindset with their approach to new technology and process redesign. MCG is honored to be a partner and collaborator in this successful program.”

The 2023 Richard L. Doyle Award will be presented to the UCSD team during MCG’s annual Client Forum in Phoenix, Arizona, April 22-24, 2024.

About MCG Health
MCG, part of the Hearst Health network, provides unbiased clinical guidance that gives healthcare organizations confidence in delivering patient-centered care. MCG’s artificial intelligence and technology, infused with clinical expertise, enable its clients to prioritize and simplify their work. MCG’s world-class customer service ensures that clients maximize the benefits of licensing MCG solutions – demonstrating improved clinical and financial outcomes. For more information visit http://www.mcg.com.

About Hearst Health
The mission of Hearst Health is to help guide the most important care moments by delivering vital information into the hands of everyone who touches a person’s health journey. Care guidance from Hearst Health reaches the majority of people in the U.S. The Hearst Health network includes FDB (First Databank), Zynx Health, MCG, Homecare Homebase, and MHK (formerly MedHOK). Hearst also holds a minority interest in the precision medicine and oncology analytics company M2Gen. Follow Hearst Health on X @HearstHealth and LinkedIn @Hearst-Health.

Media Contact

Arri Burgess, MCG Health, (206) 389-5405, arri.burgess@mcg.com, https://www.mcg.com/

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SOURCE MCG Health