HCD International is HITRUST Certified and follows strict data security measures to comply with HIPAA and other healthcare regulations for client’s privacy and confidentiality.

About HITRUST

HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) is a widely recognized organization that provides a set of guidelines and tools to help companies protect sensitive information, especially in healthcare.

The Benefits of HCDI’s HITRUST Certification:

1. Risk Management: The HITRUST certification allows organizations to access cyber insurance with simplified underwriting, improved features, better coverage options, the maturity of your information risk management program, and reduced cost on premiums.
2. Regulatory Compliance: HITRUST consolidates multiple standards and regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR and PCI-DSS into a single framework thus simplifying the compliance process. One assessment can satisfy multiple compliance requirements, saving organizations time, money, and resources.
3. Competitive Edge: The HITRUST certification can help differentiate your organization as a trusted vendor during competitive proposal and contracting reviews.
4. Customer Efficiency, Trust and Credibility: It also reduces the time and resources needed to respond to third-party questionnaires and increases awareness of your organization’s relative exposure, inherent risk, and current security posture.
5. Data Security: HITRUST provides robust security controls to protect all our customers’ sensitive information.

HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI) is dedicated to promoting health equity for all, especially vulnerable populations. Whether you’re a health plan, an accountable care organization, a government agency, or a commercial entity, HCDI leads a data-driven approach using a health equity lens to improve outcomes and reduce costs.

To learn more about how HCDI can help your organization secure your protected health information, please visit hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/ or contact us directly at info@hcdi.com.

Sources

hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/

www.hitrustalliance.net

HCDI Leader Selected to Serve on CMS’ Committee for Partnership for Quality Measurement (PQM) 

August 29, 2024, Washington, DC – As President and CEO of HCD International (HCDI), a national clinical transformation advisory firm headquartered in DC, Jean Drummond has championed the movement towards value-based care (VBC), health equity, and improving the quality of health care for all – especially vulnerable populations – for over 30 years. Before founding HCDI, Drummond served as a Physician’s Assistant (PA) for a diverse community in the District of Columbia, directly witnessing the immense disparity in health care quality for her patients.   

Drummond believes in the power of authentic partnership and insightful collaboration. She is honored to have been selected to serve a full, three-year term as a National Health Equity Expert AND Patient, Caregiver and Patient Advocate on the Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review (PRMR) Clinician Committee through the Partnership for Quality Measurement.  

“Perspective is gained through experience and meaningful conversation with stakeholders from all sides of the spectrum. Coming together to ensure quality measures adopted by Health and Human Services (HHS) reflect the needs of all people being served is vital to improving health quality for all, especially disenfranchised populations.” – Drummond  

Through this current appointment, Drummond will serve on the committee through 2027.  

HCDI is a national clinical transformation advisory firm on a mission to support efforts to provide quality health care for all, especially vulnerable populations. HCDI offers many advisory and implementation services to its clients – from health plans to physician practices – offering a range of solutions from community engagement to culturally competent care coordination, clinical transformation, HEDIS gap closures, Health Equity Accreditation support, and data strategy utilizing a health equity lens.  For more information about HCDI, please visit the website at hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/ To learn more about PQM’s Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review, please visit https://p4qm.org/PRMR/About  

By HCDI Communications  

July is chronic disease awareness month; chronic disease is a health condition lasting over a year that needs ongoing medical care or impacts daily activities.

There are several types of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease. Over 6 in 10 adults in the US are living with chronic disease. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They are also leading drivers of the nation’s $4.5 trillion (about $14,000 per person in the US) in annual healthcare costs. 

Risk factors  

These are some of the risk factors of chronic disease:  

• Excessive alcohol use can lead to alcohol use disorder, heart disease, liver disease, and certain cancers.  

•  Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are significant risk factors for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.  

• Cigarette smoking leads to cancer, heart disease, and lung diseases. 

Chronic Disease Prevention  

Ways to reduce the risk of chronic diseases:  

• Know your family history and talk to your doctor about preventive measures. 

• Getting enough sleep is crucial. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep daily. 

• Good oral health such as drinking fluoridated water, brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist annually. 

• Quitting smoking reduces the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease. 

• Eating healthily helps prevent, delay, and manage heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. 

• Engaging in regular physical activity can help prevent, delay, or manage chronic diseases. 

• Over time, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, various cancers, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease. 

• To prevent chronic diseases or detect them early, it is important to visit your doctor and dentist regularly for preventive services. 

Healthy People 2030 Chronic Disease Objectives  

Healthy People 2030 aims to reduce diabetes cases, complications, and deaths. Over 30 million in the US have diabetes, the seventh leading cause of death. Certain racial/ethnic minorities are at higher risk, and many with diabetes are unaware. 

What is Healthy People 2030 

In 1979, the Healthy People initiative started with the “Healthy People: The Surgeon General’s Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.” The mission of Healthy People 2030 is to improve the health and well-being of all people. 

HCD International Engages in Diabetes Management and Educational Programs  

The Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE) is an evidence-based program focused on improving healthcare outcomes for real people. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of underserved populations through holistic, culturally appropriate educational services across the diabetes care continuum. 

Diabetes Self-Management Program 

HCD International offers a six-week diabetes self-management education workshop using the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP). Our program aims to teach self-monitoring, healthy lifestyle behaviors, self-care, decision-making skills, problem-solving, and collaboration with the healthcare team to improve clinical outcomes and overall quality of life. 

Diabetes Prevention Program 

The DPP helps individuals with pre-diabetes make healthier choices to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. The program, led by a trained lifestyle coach, consists of 26 one-hour sessions over a year using a combination of distance learning and in-person classes. 

To learn more about our Diabetic Center of Excellence Programs, visit www.hcdidcoe.com or contact us directly at DCOE@hcdi.com 

Sources  

https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/index.html 

www.hcdidcoe.com  

hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/ 

Using Actionable Data Insights to Close Gaps in Care for SDoH and Reduce Health Disparities

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, President and CEO of HCD International, Jean Drummond, was invited to speak at the 10th Annual SDoH and Health Equity Innovations to Transform Population Health Summit, hosted by Strategic Solutions Network in Orlando, Florida. The conference was a unique platform for transformative insights on social determinants of health and health equity to transform population health.     

Drummond’s presentation topic was “Using Actionable Data Insights to Close Gaps in Care for SDoH and Reduce Health Disparities.” The goal was for participants to understand how to create and implement actionable data insights for decision-making, apply a health equity lens to reduce gaps in care and address social determinants of health barriers. Furthermore, participants will learn to integrate multiple datasets to refine population health interventions and use a centralized dashboard such as AIMe to make integrated, nuanced, data-driven decisions.     

A.I.M.e (Advanced Integrated Matrix for Equity) is a new cutting-edge data analytics intelligence solution developed by HCD International that aims to take health equity data strategy to the next level. It eliminates the need for manual reporting, thus reducing your data team’s workload while offering practical benefits that can significantly enhance your operations.  

Contact HCDI directly at  aime@hcdi.com or visit hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/aime to learn more. For more information on HCD International, please visit us at hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/ or email us at info@hcdi.com.   

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 8, HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI) President and CEO Jean Drummond, HCDI Healthcare Data Analytics Director, Raj Patel, and HCDI Health Equity Program Director, Eric Chiyembekeza, have been invited to bring their wealth of expertise to the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP) Webinar series.

The presentation, titled “Improve Equity and Maximize Revenue Through Enhanced Data Analytics,” promises insights into leveraging data analytics to foster equity and drive revenue optimization within healthcare systems.

This marks a continued collaboration between HCDI and IAMHP, underscoring a commitment to advancing healthcare equity and efficiency in one of the many states HCDI serves and has resident staff. Notably, this is not the first time HCDI leadership has contributed to IAMHP initiatives. Last year, Jean Drummond presented in the same webinar series on how to “Wake Up Your Health Equity Strategy,” offering actionable insights as a business owner and former clinician.

Furthermore, Drummond’s expertise was also showcased during the IAMHP 2023 Conference, where she shared insights on “Getting to the H.E.A.R.T. of the Matter Using SDoH Data to Drive Outcomes.” The program, which emphasized the significance of social determinants of health (SDoH) data, later received the prestigious IAMHP APEX Award, highlighting its exceptional impact and innovation.

Join the upcoming, complimentary webinar! The data-driven trio will present an invaluable opportunity for healthcare professionals to glean insights from industry leaders who have a proven track record of driving change for government-sponsored health plans. Participants can expect to gain practical strategies for leveraging data analytics to enhance equity and maximize revenue within their respective healthcare ecosystems.

To learn more about HCDI’s health equity engagement services, visit hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/ or contact us directly atinfo@hcdi.com. For media inquiries or further information, please contact Brittany Ireland at bireland@hcdi.com

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HCD International is an award-winning healthcare advising and management firm dedicated to advancing equitable healthcare solutions globally. With a steadfast commitment to addressing health disparities and fostering health equity, HCD International leverages innovative strategies, data-driven insights, and collaborative partnerships to drive transformative change in healthcare delivery. Through a comprehensive suite of services encompassing advisory solutions, research, and advocacy, HCD International stands at the forefront of effecting positive change in the healthcare landscape. The company’s visionary approach, coupled with a dedication to addressing the root causes of health disparities, empowers communities, healthcare organizations, and policymakers to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. Learn more about HCD International’s impactful initiatives at hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/.

Download the full Press Release here

User-Friendly Access to a Customizable Dashboard that Eliminates Manual Reporting 

Healthcare Dynamics International (HCDI) releases A.I.M.e (Advanced Integrated Matrix for Equity)!  A new cutting-edge data analytics intelligence solution, A.I.M.e aims to take your plan’s health equity data strategy to the next level, eliminating the need for manual reporting to reduce your data team’s workload.  

With A.I.M.e, users are provided access to a customizable performance dashboard that seamlessly integrates complex population health data sets to uncover healthcare trends and health equity insights for any health plan – Medicare, Medicaid, or Dual Eligible.  

Clients can choose from 1 of 3 suites – Bronze, Silver, or Gold – providing varying levels of user access, data uploads, data cleaning, exports, and support from the HCDI data analytics team, to meet organization needs.   

To unlock the potential of A.I.M.e, contact HCDI directly at aime@hcdi.com or visit hcdi.com/aime to learn more.  

HCDI’s Data-Driven Approach Gets to the Root Cause of Food Insecurity

By HCDI Communications

March is National Nutrition Month where we raise awareness of the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits to live longer, healthier lives. For disadvantaged, at-risk populations, living in urban, suburban, and rural areas where food swamps or food deserts exist and access to or being able to afford healthy food is a struggle, food insecurity is evident.

In 2020, 13.8 million households were food insecure at some point during the year. Food insufficiency is a serious public health issue that leads to an increased risk for negative health outcomes including malnutrition, obesity and diabetes. It is not only linked to negative health outcomes in adults, but also children. Poor nutrition can cause children to have trouble concentrating in school.

A common social determinant of health barrier, food insecurity is associated with income, employment, disability, and race/ethnicity.  When the money to buy food is limited, due to low income, unemployment or being disabled, it makes it more difficult to meet basic household food needs and causes food insufficiency. Disabled adults are at a higher risk for food insecurity due to limited employment opportunities and health care expenses that affect their ability to afford healthy foods.

Poor neighborhood conditions, physical access to food, and lack of transportation cause racial/ethnicity health disparities. In 2020, African American households (21.7%) were two times more likely to be food insecure than the national average (10.5%).

The location and number of quality grocery stores, food services, farmers markets, and community gardens influence the availability of healthy foods in communities.  People living in some urban areas, rural areas, and low-income neighborhoods often lack transportation to grocery stores as well.

Healthy People 2030 advocates for developing community food support programs that offer reduced food prices to encourage healthier choices among those who lack access to healthy foods. Moreover, establishing nutrition assistance and counseling programs in schools and the workplace can help children and adults eat healthier foods to lower their risk of diseases.

Today, food programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program; and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are currently addressing food insecurity. Healthy People 2030 also suggests increasing benefit amounts and addressing unemployment to reduce food insecurity and hunger within households.

Healthy People 2030 Objectives

Although Healthy People 2030 data shows household food insecurity and hunger are decreasing, more needs to be done to meet the target goal. There has also been little to no change to eliminate food insecurity among children.

HCDI’s Data-Driven Approach to Improve Access to Healthy Food

This past year, HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI) worked on a special food insufficiency project. Through careful geographic data analysis, we found that one county in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area has extreme poverty, which negatively affects residents’ access to healthy food.

To better understand the needs of the county, HCDI administered a food insecurity assessment survey to over 70 English and Spanish speaking, disadvantaged residents within ten (10) target zip codes and held two (2) small group discussions with adults aged 24-55 years old and seniors aged 56-75 years. More than 50% of participants indicated they:

• Cut or skip meals due to lack of funds to purchase healthy food
• Cannot afford to eat balanced meals often
• Worry about running out of food
• Do not qualify for food assistance programs
• Use government food support programs like WIC and SNAP
• Attend food pantries and church food programs
• Rely on food banks and pantries due to their limited income because of social security benefits
• Do not know community gardens are available in their immediate area

Our research, at HCDI, also concluded that those living below the poverty level need more supermarkets in their communities and more awareness about food programs and community gardens.  Additionally, having better hours and transportation services to food pantries would increase participation and likewise reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes.

To learn more about HCDI’s health equity engagement services, visit hcdi.com or contact us directly at info@hcdi.com.

Dear Women of HCD International,

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am filled with profound gratitude and admiration for each and every one of the women who have been part of the journey of HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI). Oftentimes, as women, our jobs and duties transcend traditional schedules.

Many of the women at HCDI are wives, mothers, caretakers, community leaders, breadwinners, and the list continues. When I think about the duality of upholding these roles, while maintaining careers, I am in awe of the strength, resilience, and multitasking prowess that the women of HCDI exhibit daily.

Did you know the team at HCDI is responsible for reaching out to nearly 20,000 members for breast and cervical cancer screenings in 2022-23, closing over HEDIS 1,000 gaps? Your dedication, passion, and resilience have been the cornerstone of our success and impact in the healthcare industry.

Every year as we approach the company anniversary in April, I reserve time to review the year in full with our Vice President/COO and Chief Strategy Officer, Michelle Pascaran and Rachel Smith, respectively. Michelle reminded me of our Business Case for Breastfeeding Train-the-Trainer initiative with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Our team aided the development of the resource kit and enthusiastically trained an assortment of breastfeeding coalitions across the nation to engage with their local businesses to advocate for worksite lactation programs for their employees. The program effectively trained over 900 individuals, who in turn, successfully trained approximately 2800 individuals in their communities using the Business Case for Breastfeeding Resource Kit. HCDI understands the health benefits of breastfeeding, both for the mother and the child. We also believe women in the workforce is an economic imperative; we, as a society thrive when women are empowered for financial success. We are proud to support all women in the labor force including working mothers.

Similarly, Rachel shared a fond memory from a few years ago when we collaborated with the Prince George’s County Health Department to set up a mass vaccination center. A remarkable team, predominantly comprised of 85% women, worked tirelessly within a tight timeframe of just two weeks. They meticulously planned workflows, procured necessary equipment, managed logistics, and recruited staff, ensuring the smooth administration of nearly 60,000 vaccinations.

Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, breaking barriers, and driving positive change. In our own context at HCDI, women, here again, make significant contributions. From the executive team to community health workers, to the data team, to our student workers, I am proud to be on a team of like-minded women who have an unwavering commitment to promoting health equity and excellence in healthcare delivery.

As we reflect on the legacy of women’s leadership and accomplishments this Women’s History Month, let us also acknowledge and celebrate the impressive contributions of women across the business sector:

• According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), women-owned businesses in the United States generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue annually, employing nearly 9.2 million people (about half the population of New York).
• A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies with higher gender diversity in executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability compared to those with lower diversity.
• Research conducted by Johnson & Johnson shows that women make approximately 80% of healthcare decisions for their families, underlining their significant role in healthcare-related decision-making and the industry’s reliance on their expertise.

On behalf of the entire HCDI family, I extend my warmest wishes for Women’s History Month. I find immense pride in the fact that HCDI is being led by women of exceptional talent who grace every department.

Happy Women’s History Month,

Jean Drummond 
HCDI CEO, President

Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease through Preventative Care and a Healthy Lifestyle

This month we go RED at HealthCare Dynamics International (HCDI) to support American Heart Month.  Heart disease, a leading cause of death among Americans, especially women, was responsible for claiming the lives of over 300,000 women and 350,000 men in 2021 – that’s 1 in every 5 women and 1 in every 5 men!   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 60 million American women are living with some form of heart disease today.

Heart Disease Symptoms

Often, heart disease is “silent” and not diagnosed until a person experiences symptoms of a heart attack, arrhythmia or heart failure. The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain but is not always severe or even the most noticeable symptom in women. Women describe heart attack pain as pressure or tightness. And it’s possible to have a heart attack without chest pain. Below are common heart disease symptoms for both men and women:

Heart Disease Risk Factors

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are the top three risk factors for heart disease. Other risk factors for heart disease include diabetes, being overweight or obese, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. By adopting a healthier lifestyle and in some cases, taking prescribed medicine, the risk of heart disease is reduced.

Heart Disease Prevention

Ways to reduce the risk of heart disease include:

• Visit the doctor regularly to understand and control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and get tested for diabetes if necessary
• Don’t smoke
• Get at least 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of physical activity each week
• Make and eat a balanced diet, including vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean meats and less processed foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium
• Limit alcohol consumption to one drink a day
• Lower stress level by finding healthy ways to cope with stress

Healthy People 2030 Heart Disease Objectives

Healthy People 2030 focuses on preventing and treating heart disease and improving overall cardiovascular health through measuring a series of objectives.  Healthy People 2030 finds improvement is necessary across the country to:

• Increase the cardiovascular health score (3.2 out of 7.0)
• Reduce the percentage of adults with high blood pressure (45%)
• Reduce the cholesterol level of adults (190.9 mg/dl mean total)
• Increase control of high blood pressure in adults (16.1% have it under control)
• Increase cholesterol treatment in adults (44.9% receive treatment)

To keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control and improve cardiovascular health scores, Healthy People 2030 advises Americans to get screened regularly by a healthcare provider, take medication when necessary, and adopt healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods and exercising.

HCDI Engages in Preventative Care Outreach for Heart Disease Prevention

HCDI engages with hard-to-reach members to close gaps in care for health plans and improve health outcomes.  Our trained community health workers (CHW) connect with members to educate, screen for Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) barriers and health issues, provide social support resources when necessary, and schedule wellness appointments with health care providers. At HCDI, our goal is to ensure that the most vulnerable receive quality, preventative care to reduce their risk of chronic conditions, including heart disease.

To learn more about our health equity engagement services, visit hcdi2.creativevelocity.site/ or contact us directly at info@hcdi.com.

By HCDI Communications

Why is the CAHPS ^® Survey Important to Health Plans

The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS^®) surveys are just around the corner!   CAHPS^® is an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) program designed to understand patient experience to improve quality of care.  For over 25 years, AHRQ has conducted patient experience research through annual surveys, generally distributed between February and April, that ask consumers to evaluate their experiences with providers, including hospitals, primary care physicians, and specialists, and especially their health plans.

CAHPS^® surveys ask a series of questions that focus on:

• Communication skills
• Ability to schedule timely appointments
• Coordination of care
• Ease of access to information

Patients, healthcare professionals, public and private healthcare purchasers, healthcare accreditation organizations, regional improvement collaboratives, and health plans leverage the CAHPS^® survey results to evaluate and compare healthcare providers and improve patient experience.

Who are the Drivers of CAHPS ^® Surveys for Health Plans
CAHPS ^® surveys are administered among the following health plan improvement drivers:

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) conducts CAHPS ^® surveys annually for Medicare beneficiaries with results, combined with other quality measures in “star ratings,” reported publicly on the Medicare Plan Finder website
• CAHPS ^® surveys are a National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) accreditation requirement for commercial and Medicaid health plans
• States require CAHPS ^® survey collection and reporting of Medicaid health plans
• Federal and State-Based Health Insurance Marketplaces will be required to conduct the Qualified Health Plan (QHP) survey, which is a version of the CAHPS ^® survey, for their health plans and are incorporated into “star ratings” and may be reported on Marketplace websites

Best Practices for Optimizing Your Health Plan’s CAHPS^® Survey Results
To ensure member satisfaction to optimize your CAHPS ^® survey results, consider the following best practices:

• Incorporating a year-round focus on improving CAHPS ^® results that extends beyond the February to April survey period and should begin in October when the sales cycle starts
• Leveraging data to gather customer insights through ongoing healthcare experience assessment surveys, disenrollment surveys, complaint tracking, customer service data, and grievance data
• Cultivating and supporting an environment built on quality improvement (QI) by organizing QI teams and training staff in QI concepts and techniques
• Developing member forms that are easy to use and understand
• Paying attention to customer service that involves cultivating relationships with members built on effective, culturally intelligent communication, empathy, and accountability to resolve issues
• Establishing an effective process for resolving member issues that includes effective communication, issue escalation, issue resolution, and above all else, member success
• Recognizing and rewarding success among employees

HCDI Works With Health Plans to Improve Member Outreach

Healthcare Dynamics International (HCDI) has the tools to help any health plan with member outreach, with success connecting with even the hardest-to-reach, at-risk populations. Our diverse staff of over 150 full-time professionals is dedicated to ensuring engagement with members is culturally competent and empathetic while we work to close gaps in care.

During each interaction, HCDI has a unique member engagement approach. We not only work to close gaps in care, but we also assess their quality of care and address any social needs by providing the necessary resources, whether it is access to healthy food, housing assistance, or transportation to their primary care visits.

We also leverage state-of-the-art, trademarked data analytics tools to understand member demographics and report not only whole-community quantitative data, but also whole-person, qualitative data to help health plans gain better insight into member needs and opinions.

To learn more about our member engagement approach, visit hcdi.com or contact us directly at info@hcdi.com.

References:
https://www.ahrq.gov/