Why Net Health Approach to Analytics is Unique

As we reach our final post in this series on predictive analytics in healthcare, I quickly want to mention two things. First—if you've been following along the entire journey, thanks! I hope you've learned a lot of helpful and meaningful information. Second—if you're just joining us now, it's not too late to head back and read the past blog posts that are chalked full of great and actionable information.

What I want to talk about today are some real-world tips and information from my work as the Chief Revenue Officer of Net Health, a healthcare analytics company. I share this information mainly to continue the learning process, but I also share it in case you're excited about implementing predictive analytics in your practice and are looking for a next step.

Let's take a look at how Net Health approaches this and why that is meaningful to the future.

The Power of Closed-Loop Systems

For many, the use of predictive analytics in healthcare starts with enhancing the capabilities of their EHR. It's a great way to tap into operational analytics solutions as well as enhance care for patients in real-time. However, a lot of solutions on the market are more like "patches" or "add-ons" that don't necessarily fit as seamlessly with existing EHR systems as they promise.

Net Health has a huge leg up here as the company literally develops its own EHR systems. What this means is that even if you're looking to use one of Net Health's analytics solutions but with a different EHR provider, you're still getting solutions that have been designed, developed, and battle-tested by minds with the most expertise on the topic. These experienced developers understand how people on the frontline use EHRs and use that information to create a closed-loop system where the data already being collected by the EHR feeds the new solutions in a continuous circle of improvement.

Takeaway Tip: Ensure your existing EHR system is set up for the future. If not, it may be time to look for a provider already embracing the growth of predictive analytics within the industry.

The Support of Two Decades of Data Sets

One thing we know for sure is that the healthcare environment is not a place for trial and error. A new analytics company with no experience in healthcare can't just come in and start trying to "see what works" with their solution in a real-world environment without exposing the provider and patients to risk.

This is where having a history of real-world data comes into play. Net Health is able to test its predictive analytics systems across over 20 years of data to find out what works before pushing the solution live. The results of this are that providers can confidently implement predictive analytics solutions knowing that they're able to deliver on the promises they make.

Takeaway Tip: Before implementing anything, ask how the solution was verified. While there are times where it may be okay to use a less-effectively tested solution, you'll need to consider the added risks.

An Effective Analytics Development Process

The last unique aspect of Net Health's approach to healthcare analytics I want to look at is a bit more of a behind-the-scenes perspective of how the development process works. When we see analytics companies try and cross over from other industries or spring from the ground up, there are issues in the way they develop that can create problems down the line for you.

Without sharing too much of how the magic works, here are three ways in which Net Health's development process is different.

·     The Use of Historical Data – As we already talked about, access to historical data from real-world scenarios is always going to produce more accurate results than those solutions tested using made-up data sets.

·     Modern Tools for Modern Solutions – Not only does the Net Health team test solutions against in-house data sets, but they also use modern tools on the market to test the solution against public data sets. The benchmarking opportunities this makes available lead to better refinement and stronger solutions.

·     A Multi-Disciplinary Team – Net Health knows the key to innovation is having the best and the brightest minds on the project. Not only does Net Health have real EHR developers helping with the implementation of solutions, but the company also brings in multi-disciplinary teams with real clinical experience. Additionally, the company brings in people with expertise in data science, AI, data management, data analytics, data security, product management, and software development from universities such as Carnegie Mellon, U. of Pittsburgh, Harvard, Duke, and Johns Hopkins.

Next Steps

The greatest part about the current status of predictive analytics in healthcare today is that implementation and that next step is not what it used to be. In the early days, it meant huge costs, major risks, and jumping off the proverbial cliff to hope for the best.

Today, though, thanks to companies like Net Health, providers and organizations can ease into predictive analytics with a lot more confidence and easier-to-see (and measure) results.

If you'd like to have a conversation about how Net Health might be able to help you and your team reach their goals and stay ahead of the curve of the future, I'd encourage you to reach out and schedule a free demo today.

If you would like to talk to me, feel free to email me at aaron.brandwein@nethealth.com or call me at 417-299-2308. If you are interested in what Net Health is doing, check out our analytics site.