The American journal of managed care
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Palliative care has been demonstrated to have positive effects for patients, families, health care providers, and health systems. Early identification of patients who are likely to benefit from palliative care would increase opportunities to provide these services to those most in need. This study predicted all-cause mortality of patients as a surrogate for patients who could benefit from palliative care. ⋯ LSTM models can effectively predict mortality by using a combination of EHR data and administrative claims data. The model could be used as a promising clinical tool to aid clinicians in early identification of appropriate patients for palliative care consultations.
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Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, introductions between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists were conducted in person. These important meetings were integral to patient care, facilitated care coordination, and improved the managed care of the patient. During COVID-19 and beyond, these important relationships should be fostered via digital means. We aimed to identify opportunities of digital health integration for the optimization of physician integration. ⋯ Referrals between PCPs and specialists have been an integral aspect of medical care within managed care organizations. With the advent of technology during COVID-19, and along with this brief survey, the need for digital means to introduce PCPs and specialists is underscored.
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Patients' access to and use of online medical records (OMRs) can facilitate better management of their health and health care. However, health care disparities continue to exist. This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence and predictors of individuals being offered access to OMRs, (2) identify predictors of individuals accessing their OMR, and (3) describe barriers to accessing one's OMR. ⋯ Sociodemographic and health care-related factors are associated with variation in use of OMRs. To realize the intended value of OMR use for patients, it is important to address barriers to OMR access and integrate OMRs into patient-provider communication and clinical care.
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To determine whether physician-to-physician outpatient asynchronous store-and-forward teledermatology can be a portal for patient access to consultative dermatologic care and decrease primary care physician referrals to dermatology. ⋯ Physician-to-physician outpatient asynchronous teledermatology consults can provide a model for rapid consultation and decreased primary care referral to dermatology.
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With a rapid shift to telehealth during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, clinicians, health care organizations, and policy makers must consider and address patients' evolving needs, concerns, and expectations.