Health Data Management

We've got the Olympic spirit! We are officially an award winning publication! We are adding to the medal count! Not with our physical ability, but with our desire to be our editorial best! Health Data Management was recognized by the American Society of Business Publication Editors ASBPE with three silver, and one bronze #AZBEES awards of excellence in 2024! This was made possible by all the amazing contributors working to publish thought provoking, deep insight content! Thank you! And a special thanks to Fred Bazzoli and Jessica Siebenschuh who move mountains to keep our editorial engine running! #excellenceinpublishing #healthdatamanagement #OlympicSpirit

?? What impact could we have in health and care if our data was safe, secure, and trusted? When HDM spoke with Don Woodlock from InterSystems at #HIMSS25, he emphasized a key challenge: “We don’t just need better data security—we need better trust between stakeholders.” ?? Interoperability is about more than just connecting systems—it’s about trust. Woodlock highlighted that payers, providers, and public health organizations are hesitant to share data because they don’t trust how it will be used. This lack of trust slows down innovation, limits AI effectiveness, and ultimately, hurts patient care. ?? AI can only be transformative if it has access to complete and accurate data. Many AI models are working with incomplete patient records due to siloed and disconnected systems. Woodlock stressed that if AI is only seeing part of the picture, its insights will be flawed—sometimes dangerously so. ?? The future of healthcare is hidden in our data—but we have to unlock it. The real-world evidence needed to answer “What treatments work best?” already exists within health system databases. But without interoperability and data transparency, these insights remain locked away. ?? Building trust starts with responsible data-sharing frameworks. Woodlock pointed to TEFCA, CMS regulations, and payer-provider data exchange initiatives as critical steps toward improving trust. By ensuring that only necessary data is shared, use cases are clearly validated, and audit trails are in place, we can move toward a healthcare system that shares data without fear. ?? Fine-grained interoperability is the next step forward. Healthcare doesn’t just need more data-sharing—it needs smarter data-sharing. This means sending only the required data, reducing unnecessary exposure, and ensuring transparency in every transaction. If we get interoperability, trust, and AI-driven insights right, we can unlock the full potential of healthcare data—fueling better patient care, more accurate AI, and a truly connected health ecosystem. ?? What’s the biggest trust gap in healthcare today—payer-provider relationships, AI accuracy, or patient data transparency? #HealthDataManagement #Interoperability #TrustedData #AIinHealthcare

?? What impact could we have in health and care if our data was safe, secure, and trusted? When HDM spoke with Steven Lane, MD, MPH from Health Gorilla at #HIMSS25, he pointed to trust—not just security—as the biggest barrier to unlocking the full potential of healthcare data. ?? The healthcare industry is caught in a battle between “data liquidity” and “data protection.” Some organizations push for greater data-sharing to drive AI, interoperability, and patient insights, while others erect walls out of fear of misuse, privacy breaches, or regulatory uncertainty. The result? Progress stalls. ?? Healthcare trust issues go beyond technology—they’re about business models. Lane emphasized that every healthcare player—providers, payers, researchers, and tech companies—has a business interest in either accessing or restricting data. This creates friction, as organizations balance financial incentives with ethical responsibilities. ?? Patients need to be at the center of data access conversations. Many provider organizations still resist giving patients full access to their own health data—a mindset that needs to change. With AI-driven healthcare, patients will have new ways to analyze and act on their own data, leading to better outcomes. ?? Interoperability progress is being slowed by legal and regulatory uncertainty. While frameworks like TEFCA aim to create a standardized approach to data-sharing, ambiguity around HIPAA interpretations, data ownership, and privacy laws causes many organizations to hesitate rather than innovate. ?? AI is accelerating the urgency of data-sharing—but also increasing the risks. Lane described AI as “throwing gasoline on the fire”—it can dramatically enhance patient care when built on trusted data, but when trained on incomplete or inaccurate records, it can create dangerous errors. If we get data trust, governance, and responsible AI right, we can create a system where healthcare data fuels life-saving innovation rather than being locked away out of fear. ?? What’s the biggest trust gap in healthcare—provider reluctance, regulatory uncertainty, or business model conflicts? #HealthDataManagement #TrustedData #Interoperability #AIinHealthcare

?? What impact could we have in health and care if our data was safe, secure, and trusted? When HDM spoke with Alexandra Jellerette from Zane Networks, LLC at #HIMSS25, she emphasized that trusted, integrated data has the power to transform school-based healthcare—helping children and families beyond the clinical setting. ?? School-based health clinics are a critical but underutilized resource. Many schools have federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) providing care, yet they operate in data silos that prevent a full picture of a child’s health and social needs. ?? Social determinants of health (SDOH) must be integrated into student care. Jellerette’s work with My Care Circle focuses on linking medical data with critical non-clinical factors like food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation challenges—issues that directly affect both health and educational outcomes. ?? Data silos and consent challenges create barriers to proactive care. Right now, student health data is split between EHRs and other care coordination platforms, making it difficult to connect families with the right resources. Additionally, parental consent processes add complexity—especially when children report issues they may not want their parents to see. ?? Interoperability between clinical and community systems is essential. Immunization records, chronic disease management, and preventative care planning should seamlessly flow between schools, health clinics, and families—while maintaining privacy and security. ?? The goal is long-term, preventative solutions—not just crisis management. Too often, pediatric care is reactive, addressing problems only when they become emergencies. Jellerette sees an opportunity to use integrated data to address root causes—like home environments triggering asthma or social stressors impacting mental health—before they escalate. If we get data integration, consent management, and preventative care right, we can empower school-based clinics to improve children’s health, educational outcomes, and long-term well-being. ?? What’s the biggest challenge in integrating school-based health data—technology, consent laws, or stakeholder alignment? #HealthDataManagement #SchoolHealth #Interoperability #SocialDeterminants

Ravi Moses brings extensive expertise in revenue cycle management, clinical documentation improvement, and healthcare informatics, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Join me in welcoming him and get to know him better below! Thank you Marjorie Rosen for the nomination! Mr. Ravi Moses is a highly experienced leader in Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) with over two decades of expertise in coding validation, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), healthcare informatics, and data-driven financial strategies. His deep knowledge of MS-DRG, APR-DRG, AP-DRG, HCC coding, and Risk Adjustment Data Validation has positioned him as a trusted expert in optimizing healthcare reimbursement processes. Currently serving as the HIM Program Coordinator and Instructor at Molloy University, Mr. Moses has been instrumental in shaping future professionals in health information management. He teaches ICD-10-CM/PCS coding principles, CPT-4, DRG validation, and clinical documentation improvement, ensuring that students are well-equipped with technical expertise and industry best practices. Prior to his academic role, Mr. Moses served as Director of Coding, DRG, and Clinical Validation at MedReview Inc., where he oversaw more than 60 DRG validators and managed onshore and offshore vendors. His role involved physician education, quality assurance, Power BI analytics, and DRG validation audits, ensuring compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer regulations. His leadership extends to roles such as Assistant Director of Coding, DRG Validation, and CDI at NYC HHC Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he supervised inpatient and outpatient coders, led Epic EMR financial implementations, and maintained low Discharged Not Final Billed (DNFB) rates. His expertise in Epic Financial Services, 3M 360 Computer-Assisted Coding (CAC), and revenue cycle optimization has contributed to streamlining billing, enhancing compliance, and reducing claim denials. With experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Healthcare Advisory, Mr. Moses has also worked with hospitals and healthcare organizations to refine revenue cycle policies, conduct coding audits, and implement health informatics solutions. His proficiency in Power BI, SMART tools, and data analytics enables informed decision-making that drives financial and operational efficiency. A visionary in healthcare administration and RCM, Mr. Moses continues to bridge the gap between clinical and financial operations, ensuring sustainable revenue management in the evolving healthcare landscape. #healthdatamangement #RevenueCycleOptimization #ClinicalDocumentationImprovement #HealthcareInformatics

Subject: Bridging the Digital Divide in Healthcare – A Conversation with Dr. Patty Mechael Greetings, Straight Outta Health IT Tribe! In a world where technology has the power to transform healthcare, the digital divide continues to leave millions behind. How can we bridge this gap to ensure equitable access for all? In this episode of Straight Outta Health IT, Dr. Patty Mechael, co-founder and CEO of health.enabled, dives into the challenges of digital health equity. She highlights key barriers—including inadequate connectivity, limited device access, and systemic disparities, particularly for women in low- and middle-income countries. Too often, digital health solutions are designed with a narrow lens, reflecting high-income perspectives while overlooking the needs of diverse populations. To create truly inclusive digital health solutions, Dr. Mechael advocates for an approach that integrates ethnographic research, ensuring technology is accessible, usable, and meaningful for all. But technology alone isn’t the answer. She emphasizes the importance of hybrid models that combine digital innovation with community-based interventions, ensuring those without digital access aren’t left behind. Strong political leadership is also critical—countries that have successfully implemented digital health strategies have done so with committed policymaking that prioritizes equity. As a global leader in digital health strategy, health.enabled plays a key role in supporting governments and organizations in assessing and improving their digital health maturity. Initiatives like the Global Digital Health Monitor help countries track progress and strengthen their digital health ecosystems. Dr. Mechael remains optimistic: with intentional, equity-driven efforts, digital health can transform access to care. However, real change takes time and sustained commitment to addressing systemic inequities. Join us for this insightful conversation as Dr. Patty Mechael unpacks the digital health challenges, solutions, and the path forward for global healthcare equity! #digitaldivide #sdoh #healthequity Health Data Management HIMSS AMERICAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH EXECUTIVES HLTH Inc. Swaay.Health Marketing Community Amendola Communications Innsena Outcomes Rocket

I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification: Fellow of the American College of Health Data Management from American College of Health Data Management!

The American College of Health Data Management (ACHDM) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) are driving the future of healthcare by advancing the college and advancing the profession. With amazing leaders advocating for the best of our patients, we are ensuring that health data integrity, interoperability, and patient access remain at the forefront of healthcare transformation. As an #ExecutiveFellow of ACHDM (eFACHDM) and a proud member of the #AHIMA Board of Directors, I am honored to help unite and advocate for our health data management and health information professionals. This collaboration is critical in shaping an industry that is not only necessary—but essential—to improving patient outcomes, data-driven decision-making, and healthcare innovation. #Together, we are uniting efforts, strengthening our profession, and creating a future where trusted information transforms health and healthcare. The work continues! Sempre Avanti! Thank you for your support and leadership, President Mitchell Josephson, FACHDM, and Chairman, Dr. Kenneth R. Deans Jr., DHA, MBA!

It has been an incredible experience advocating for AHIMA and the health information and informatics profession during the 2025 AHIMA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. Over the past two days, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with our elected officials, championing critical legislation such as the Match It Act and advancing non-clinical artificial intelligence policies—both essential in strengthening patient data integrity, interoperability, and ethical AI use in #healthcare. #AHIMA’s mission is clear: Empowering people to impact health, and our vision is even more powerful: A world where trusted information transforms health and healthcare. As health information #leaders, we play a vital role in ensuring data accuracy, privacy, and accessibility, all of which are foundational to better patient outcomes and a stronger healthcare system. Advocacy is more than just policy—it’s about ensuring that every patient, provider, and organization benefits from trusted health information. As your newest #AHIMA Board Member, I’m honored to stand alongside my fellow #HIMtastic professionals, making our voices heard and driving meaningful change. Sempre Avanti! We are the American Health Informtion Management Association (AHIMA)! #AHIMAAdvocacy #MatchItAct #HealthInformationMatters #ArtificialIntelligence #HIMLeaders #BoardOfDirectors #AHIMA2025 #AccessToCare #leadershipexcellence #HIMtastic

Dr. Sonya Wortham, BS, MHA, MEd, DDiv, EdD,DHA, ACHE, FACHDM brings a wealth of expertise in patient access, revenue cycle management, and healthcare leadership, ensuring innovation and operational excellence in healthcare administration. Join me in welcoming her and get to know her better below! Thank you Angelita Howard, EdD, MBA for the nomination! Dr. Sonya Wortham is a highly skilled healthcare professional and patient access expert with extensive experience in revenue cycle management, insurance and financial counseling, and strategic healthcare operations. With a proven ability to lead high-impact projects, streamline patient access processes, and enhance financial outcomes, she has established herself as a key thought leader in healthcare administration. Currently serving in Patient Access at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Dr. Wortham plays a crucial role in optimizing revenue cycle processes, improving patient financial experiences, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Her strong background in healthcare insurance and data-driven decision-making enables her to design innovative solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. Beyond healthcare, Dr. Wortham is deeply committed to leadership development, mentorship, and community service. She is the Alumni President of Virginia University of Lynchburg, where she fosters engagement, networking, and professional growth for alumni members. As a Board-Certified Christian Counselor and Chaplain, she provides guidance, support, and mental health advocacy, reinforcing her dedication to holistic well-being and compassionate care. Dr. Wortham holds a Doctorate in Health Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also earned a Doctorate of Divinity from Dominion Theological Seminary and an Executive Certificate in Leadership and Business Management from the University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business. Her strong analytical, training, and problem-solving skills, combined with a deep passion for health equity and patient-centered care, make her a visionary leader in healthcare transformation. A lifelong advocate for professional excellence, community empowerment, and data-driven healthcare solutions, Dr. Wortham continues to drive meaningful change in patient access, healthcare administration, and beyond. #healthdatamangement #HealthcareLeadership #RevenueCycleManagement #PatientAccess