Strive Health, a prominent value-based kidney care provider, recently faced a challenge in finding a technology vendor that could cater to its unique needs. The provider noticed that many of its health IT vendors operated extensively in the value-based care space, collaborating with various accountable care organizations and health systems. This led Strive Health to consider building its own technology rather than purchasing it from an external vendor.
The primary goal for Strive was to develop a tool that could assist in identifying which patients should be part of specific care pathways, utilizing data science and machine learning modeling to align with the provider’s care model. The technology needed to be customizable, seamlessly integrated into existing tools used by KidneyHeroes – a team of specialized healthcare professionals trained in managing kidney disease intricacies. Additionally, the technology had to be flexible to adapt as the staff continued to learn and refine their processes.
Matthew Temba, Chief Technology Officer at Strive Health, emphasized the importance of owning the technology to enable quick upgrades and updates. This ownership control allowed the provider to innovate at the same pace as their business demands, ensuring efficient and effective care delivery.
The solution proposed by Strive Health focused on identifying high-risk patients within the late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) population to provide individualized care plans. By leveraging their technology – CareMultiplier, the provider aimed to prevent disease progression to dialysis or transplant by targeting interventions for high-risk patients. The risk stratification logic enabled the care team to manage patients’ health effectively, resulting in more healthy days at home, reduced hospitalizations, and shared savings through a value-based care model.
CareMultiplier aggregated and standardized data from multiple sources, utilizing predictive analytic models to gain deep insights into kidney patient data profiles. The technology seamlessly integrated with existing systems like Salesforce, AWS, and AdvancedMD, streamlining workflows for KidneyHeroes and empowering them to make informed decisions based on patient data and risk profiles.
The results of implementing CareMultiplier were significant for Strive Health. The provider witnessed a 36% reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions, a 49% reduction in hospitalizations among high-risk patients, and a 67% increase in optimal starts for renal replacement therapy. These outcomes showcased the effectiveness of the technology in improving patient care and outcomes.
In conclusion, Strive Health’s journey in developing and implementing CareMultiplier serves as an inspiration for other healthcare provider organizations. Custom building technology to align with operational and clinical models requires a long-term commitment and organizational support. Building flexible and reusable technology with strong feedback loops between operational and clinical teams is crucial for success in the value-based care landscape.
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