Ensuring Uninterrupted Patient Care
Removing Barriers to Critical Healthcare Information Exchange
Information blocking can be detrimental to patient care, hindering the seamless exchange of electronic health information (EHI) among healthcare providers. At Ascend Technologies, we recognize the paramount importance of unrestricted data access for optimal patient outcomes. Our dedicated team of experienced healthcare consultants is ready to assist you with a comprehensive information-blocking assessment, helping you break down barriers and elevate your organization’s data-sharing capabilities.
The Benefits of an Information Blocking Assessment
Unlock the full potential of healthcare data exchange with Ascend’s Information Blocking Assessment services. By working closely with your organization, we aim to enhance patient safety, improve clinical outcomes, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with the Cures Act’s information-blocking requirements.
Conducting an information-blocking assessment with Ascend offers numerous advantages, including:
Increased Patient Safety
By ensuring access to all patients’ EHI, you enhance the quality and level of care provided.
Improved Clinical Outcomes
Healthcare providers can make better-informed decisions when they have access to comprehensive and relevant EHI.
Reduced Costs
Eliminating information-blocking practices reduces expenses associated with duplicate testing and unnecessary treatments.
Enhanced Compliance
Our assessment services help your organization comply with the Cures Act’s information-blocking requirements.
How It Works
- In-Depth Evaluation: Our healthcare consultants conduct a thorough assessment of your organization’s current information-blocking practices. This includes analyzing data sharing protocols, technology systems, and any existing barriers to EHI exchange.
- Barrier Identification: We identify potential information-blocking practices, whether they are intentional or unintentional, that may be affecting the exchange of crucial patient information.
- Tailored Plan: Based on our findings, we create a personalized plan to address and overcome information-blocking challenges. This roadmap is designed to enhance patient safety, improve clinical decision-making, reduce unnecessary expenses, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Information Blocking Compliance Roadmap
Federal regulations have expanded the scope of EHI, necessitating organizations to share electronic protected health information (ePHI) contained in medical or billing records or used in patient-related decisions. This is the history of these changes:
April 2021
Implementation of the federal rule on Interoperability, Information Blocking, and Office of the National Coordinator Health Information Technology Certification.
October 2022
Mandatory sharing of all EHI by healthcare stakeholders.
January 2023
Adoption of specific requirements, such as Single patient API uplifts, Bulk data API, Enhanced C-CDA Document, and other criteria.
January 2024
Mandatory EHI export, limited to certified products, with options for single-patient and full database export.
Additional Resources on Information Blocking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is information blocking, and how does it impact patient care?
Information blocking refers to practices that hinder the sharing of electronic health information among healthcare providers, which can lead to compromised patient care and fragmented medical decision-making.
How will an information-blocking assessment benefit my organization?
An assessment will reveal potential information-blocking barriers, allowing your organization to create a comprehensive plan for enhanced data exchange and improved patient outcomes.
How can Ascend’s services help us comply with the Cures Act?
Our dedicated team ensures that your organization aligns with the Cures Act’s information-blocking requirements, promoting seamless data sharing and adherence to federal regulations.
What are the key milestones in the information-blocking compliance journey?
We guide you through each stage of compliance, from the implementation of federal rules to mandatory EHI sharing and specific requirements for adoption.
free Download: Information blocking assessment overview
Get our free information blocking guide and compliance roadmap. Ascend is here to help guide your organization’s compliance journey around every twist and turn.
Break Free from Information Blocking and Enhance Patient Care with Ascend
Contact us today to embark on your information-blocking compliance journey. Together, we will ensure seamless healthcare data exchange, paving the way for a brighter and more interconnected future in healthcare.
Don’t let information barriers hinder your organization’s progress; take the first step toward unlocking the full potential of data sharing for improved patient outcomes.
