The year 2018 was a transformative one for CVS Health as the enterprise played a lead role in advancing positive change in the health care system through our combination with Aetna and the launch of innovative solutions, such as Rx Savings Finder, MinuteClinic video visits and our PBM’s Guaranteed Net Cost pricing model. As we build on this momentum, we reviewed some of the trends that are expected to move the health system forward this year.
Experts suggest that three key trends will shape the industry in 2019:
- The use of analytics to inform care;
- Growing demand for digital health tools; and
- Increased focus on value-based care.
The Use of Analytics to Inform Care
This year, experts predict that data analytics will continue to evolve and improve care. For example, analytics capabilities have the power to promote earlier intervention and create efficiencies in health management.https://hceg.org/healthcare-executives-rank-the-top-10-for-2019/ This trend will also be supported by the expanded use of artificial intelligence (AI), which can quickly and seamlessly help patients and their providers identify appropriate care or treatment.https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/cleveland-clinic-unveils-top-10-medical-innovations-for-2019/?_ga=2.27776436.927803239.1540401678-1723484835.1539897327
As a newly combined company with Aetna, CVS Health will be able to couple digital analytics with face-to-face interactions to develop more personalized treatment plans for patients. Furthermore, our partnership with Buoy Health – a technology company that utilizes advanced AI – provides consumers with real-time health assessments and then refers them to one of our 1,100 MinuteClinic locations nationwide, if appropriate.
Growing Demand for Digital Health Tools
Experts see digital health as a key area that will increasingly support chronic disease management and the aging population. According to Forbes, expansion of digital health technology will be spurred by the growing use of wearable devices, telehealth platforms and mobile health applications in 2019.https://www.forbes.com/sites/reenitadas/2018/11/13/top-8-healthcare-predictions-for-2019/#2e71122a700e
CVS Health aims to transform the consumer health care experience through a combination of digital tools and – importantly – complementing that technology with high quality, easily accessible care. Our model delivers integrated care, while offering consumers the ability to interact with trusted and familiar health care experts where they are. It also arms consumers with convenient, easy-to-use technology that enables them to manage their care at any time from any place.
Increased Focus on Value-Based Care
Experts predict that the volume of value-based care models will continue to grow in 2019, as the industry focuses on reining in costs while improving outcomes. These models will increasingly prioritize quality data and risk-sharing frameworks to make health care more efficient and patient-centric.https://hceg.org/healthcare-executives-rank-the-top-10-for-2019/ At CVS Health, we believe that a focus on outcomes can help avoid unnecessary costs by connecting patients to the right care at the right time.
CVS Health’s value-based purchasing is part of our commitment to helping patients access appropriate medicines at the lowest cost. Additionally, our value-based management programs are targeted at the most costly and complex disease states, aiming to help control spend and improve health.
For more information about CVS Health’s efforts to improve access to quality care across the nation, visit our Quality & Access information center and the CVS Health Impact Dashboard. To stay informed about the latest updates and innovations from CVS Health, register for content alerts and our bi-weekly health care newsletter.