In honor of National Health Center Week (NHCW), NextGen Healthcare proudly hosted an opportunity to expand integral knowledge for health center success during our UDS+ Data Wellness Week. Five days of expert-filled webinars and sessions unpacked the changes and innovations of UDS+ (Uniform Data System) reporting. Topics included the journey of UDS to UDS+, the role of EHR vendors in responding to UDS+ reporting regulations, first-hand accounts of UDS+ early adoption, and more.
The series showcased our partnerships with key health center stakeholders like OSIS and NACHC. We also highlighted some of our internal experts, including Vice President of Solutions, Javier Favela, Chief Product Officer, Diane Kay, and myself, Director of Specialty Solutions, Michele Hannagan. We shared insights on the role of technology and technical planning, the benefits of partnering with an EHR vendor, and the future of modernization in the UDS+ reporting space.
Advances in analytics, benchmarking, and reporting
As a company focused on healthcare IT, the impact of streamlined technology in the UDS+ reporting space is one of our main areas of focus. We’re charting a new course alongside HRSA and health centers by making strides in data orchestration, cloud-based solutions, and interoperability to respond to new reporting standards.
To streamline the typical Electronic Handbook (EHB) reporting process, NextGen Healthcare created a prototype that relieves the administrative burden of transferring spreadsheet data to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This was done to support the initial testing during Cohorts 1 and 2. While progress is still ongoing, it is important to understand that the final product aims to leverage a more robust and complete data source for users. By actively developing this prototype throughout Cohorts 1 and 2, the development team has been able to test progress with client feedback so the end result stays true to the needs of health centers.
NexGen Healthcare’s goal is to build a single data warehouse repository so all your data can be consolidated in one, streamlined system. This drives more efficient regulatory data analytics, benchmarking, and reporting via customizable tools that analyze data on demand.
The impact of a reliable UDS partner
In addition to taking ownership of our technology solutions, we take pride in our commitment to our clients and the benefits of collaborating with an EHR vendor in UDS+ reporting.
As a leader in the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Community Health Center (CHC) space, NextGen Healthcare continues to respond to the call from HRSA to innovate thorough patient-level reporting. To do this, we collaborate daily with partners such as HRSA, ONC, NACHC, and health center staff. Doing so ensures that we stay up to date with UDS+ requirements and the lived experience of health center staff who do the all-important work of patient care. NextGen Healthcare team members also are active monthly participants in UTC (UDS Test Cooperative), the community learning space for all UDS+ stakeholders.
Partnering with an EHR company such as NextGen Healthcare makes sense. We are all in this UDS Modernization effort together and, to be successful, health centers need a streamlined, unified data platform. Jill Meredith, product leader at NextGen Healthcare, emphasizes the impact EHR companies have in creating products that funnel data directly to the EHR. This ensures health centers get clean data within EHRs. NextGen Healthcare is the only EHR vendor to fully pass through Cohort 1, a testament to our meticulous commitment to innovation that achieves the best outcomes for health centers.
Looking ahead
While we remain focused on the challenges of today, we see the importance of sharing our vision for the future. As regulations continue to evolve and change, our goal of providing core services that improve health outcomes and support practices remains at the forefront.
As UDS+ becomes a reality with each passing week, our focus turns to aligning workflows that maintain accuracy to new data standards. Early adoption allows organizations to influence standards, test workflows, and address data gaps without the pressure of impending deadlines. Our workflows seamlessly integrate into health centers and offer open feedback channels. Investing in staff education now allows time to redesign any gaps in clinical and operational workflows. This is critically important for all health centers since they are the voice of our most vulnerable populations and participating in UDS+ helps give rise to health equity.
Cost is a very real consideration as the ever-advancing world of analytics bears down on already minimal resources. UDS+ costs are aimed to remain budget-neutral for existing NextGen Healthcare clients as the platform transitions.
Above all, we know that the road ahead will continue to be full of change. This is why we will remain nimble and flexible as we respond to feedback and regulatory changes. This enables us to maintain our commitment to continued improvements that support you in your success.
Watch All 5 UDS+ Data Wellness Week Webinars Now!
Meet NextGen Ambient Assist, your new AI ally that generates a structured SOAP note in seconds from listening to the natural patient/provider conversation.
Read Now