Xerox is analyzing patient data to help the Wyoming Department of Health decrease the number of Medicaid-related emergency room visits and improve care outcomes through WYhealth – a total population health management program. Since WYhealth started in October 2012, Wyoming has reduced Medicaid patient ER visits by 20 percent.[1] The state's 30-day hospital readmission rate also has dropped from 7.4 percent in 2012 to 6.88 percent in 2013.[2]
Xerox analyzes data provided by the state's Medicaid Management Information System to identify frequent users of ER and inpatient services as well as potential gaps in care. Both WYhealth and the MMIS are managed in collaboration with Xerox.
Xerox's staff of local clinicians work with patients and their physicians to put care plans and preventative measures in place. For example, if Medicaid clients have visited the ER more than 10 times in the past year, Xerox works with those individuals to find alternative resources for care in their community.
Xerox also watches for patients who fail to follow up with outpatient appointments or specific treatments after a hospital stay, as they are more likely to make additional ER visits or be re-admitted to the hospital. And Xerox staff works with high volume ERs to identify collaborative opportunities for intervention. With fewer ER visits, Wyoming Medicaid has reduced ER costs per member per month by more than 20 percent.[3]
"Our priority is to help people make informed decisions about their healthcare, like how to best manage chronic conditions and where to seek treatment when necessary," said Dr. James F. Bush, medical director, Wyoming Department of Health. "Xerox's care management program enables us to support our patients in this way, and it reduces unnecessary and costly ER visits."
Xerox also provides a 24/7 Nurseline that Medicaid patients can call any time – day or night – to help answer urgent health questions and determine whether or not they need to go to the ER. The Nurseline can help patients learn more about their medical situation and identify the healthcare resource that best meets their needs.
"Wyoming's commitment to a consumer-friendly program that improves health outcomes for its Medicaid recipients fits perfectly with Xerox's vision to use health IT and data analytics to empower patients to take an active role in caring for their health," said David Hamilton, group president, Government Healthcare Solutions, Xerox. "We're providing advice and support that help members make decisions for a healthy lifestyle. By ensuring they receive healthcare in the setting best suited to their level of need, we're also helping the state reduce Medicaid costs."
Xerox has more than 40 years of experience working with government health agencies to enhance the efficiency of health programs and help ensure the health of citizens.
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