When you partner with DataGen and use our Medicare fee-for-service policy analytics solution, you receive Medicare IPPS proposed rule payment briefs, along with additional essential Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) updates and materials throughout the year.   DataGen provides an overview of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 proposed rule for the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS)    Overview of policies for the FFY 2026 IPPS new proposed rule The DataGen Medicare FFS policy analytics team summarized and analyzed the following policy changes in the new proposed rule:  utilizing FFY 2024 Medicare Provider and Review (MedPAR) and FFY 2023 Hospital Cost Reporting Information System (HCRIS) data for standard calculations;  updates to the Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payment policies, including hospital eligibility for DSH Uncompensated Care (UCC) payments in FFY 2026 being...

 SCNs and the value-based care mandate in New York state New York’s 1115 Medicaid waiver represents a pivotal opportunity for providers to engage in value-based care models that improve outcomes and reduce costs. At the heart of this transformation are Social Care Networks (SCNs) — a state initiative designed to address health-related social needs (HRSN) such as food insecurity, housing instability and transportation barriers for Medicaid recipients.  SCNs are central to New York’s long-term strategy for integrating clinical and non-clinical care. For primary care providers (PCPs), engaging with SCNs offers not only a chance to better serve vulnerable populations but also to receive enhanced reimbursement through the waiver, particularly when paired with the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition .  What are Social Care Networks (SCNs)?  SCNs are regional networks of community-based organizations (CBOs) an...

Our health information (HI) professionals are super!   You’ve heard the expression, “Not all superheroes wear capes.”   This directly applies to DataGen’s team of experts, who work tirelessly to help clients with our HIM medical coding solution and SPARCS submission tool, UDS (UIS Data System™) .   For the past two years, we’ve celebrated members of our top-notch team during the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA’s) Health Information Professionals (HIP) Week , which occurs every April.   “The meticulous work of UDS team members in troubleshooting and enhancing the flow of health information within New York State directly contributes to improved patient care and organizational efficiency,” says Kevin Tedesco, senior director, advanced analytics, DataGen. “Their efforts ensure that high-quality data is captured and utilized for trending illness, setting payment rates, addressing community health needs and ensuring the quality healthcare provi...

What you learned about health information (HI) careers  Throughout HIP Week 2025 , we ran a daily LinkedIn quiz to highlight the essential work of health information (HI) professionals.   If you followed along, great! If you missed a question or two, don’t worry — we’ve recapped all the correct answers (and explained why the others were off the mark). Or, you can take the quiz if you missed it altogether!  Monday’s topic: Who are HI professionals? Poll question: What’s the core focus of HI pros?  Managing patient records Providing medical treatment  Prescribing medications  Poll answer: What’s the core focus of HI pros?  ✅ Managing patient records (Correct)  ❌ Providing medical treatment  ❌ Prescribing medications  Why: HI professionals specialize in handling patient data — making sure it’s accurate, secure and accessible. They don’t treat or diagnose patients directly.  Tuesday’s topic: Where do HI professionals work?  ...

Get started implementing an effective Community Health Assessment (CHA) strategy Community Health Assessments (CHAs) play a crucial role in shaping the future of public health by identifying key health challenges and opportunities within communities. These assessments provide a foundation for data-driven decision-making, resource allocation and collaborative health improvement strategies.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CHAs help communities develop policies and interventions that address health disparities and improve overall well-being. The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) offers extensive resources for effectively conducting CHAs.  In this guide, we will explore what a Community Health Assessment is, its purpose, key components and benefits. We will also provide real-world examples and solutions to overcome common challenges. Whether you're a healthcare administrator, policymaker or community leader...

A Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is a vital tool for hospitals, healthcare organizations and community stakeholders to evaluate and address the health needs of their populations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CHNA, including its purpose, requirements, data analysis and examples.  What is a Community Health Needs Assessment?  A CHNA is a systematic process that identifies key health issues and needs within a community. It serves as a foundation for healthcare providers and policymakers to make informed decisions that improve health outcomes. Learn more about the fundamentals of a CHNA in our detailed guide: What is a Community Health Needs Assessment? .  The purpose of a Community Health Needs Assessment   The purpose of a CHNA is to:  Identify significant health issues  Determine prevalent health conditions affecting the community.  Recognize disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.  Highlight social determin...

Watch the video below. How safety culture and Joint Commission standards improve patient outcomes  As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, one constant remains: a strong patient safety culture is key to better outcomes for both patients and staff. When safety is prioritized, it creates a ripple effect. It improves patient experience, boosts workforce well-being and strengthens overall quality of care.  To reduce medical errors, enhance outcomes, and support the vital work of nurses and clinical staff, a strong culture of safety isn’t optional — it’s essential. It’s the foundation that allows healthcare teams to thrive and deliver the best possible care. So, how can healthcare providers leverage these culture of safety insights to drive meaningful improvements?  Improving patient safety culture isn’t just about compliance — it’s about driving real change, improving outcomes and empowering leadership with data-driven decisions. That’s where DataGen’s Culture of Saf...

A critical opportunity for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)  The Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) is a critical opportunity for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) aiming to improve care coordination while reducing healthcare costs. For organizations looking to join or renew their participation in MSSP for a Jan. 1, 2026, start date, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released key application deadlines that ACOs must follow.  Key application dates  Application period opens: May 29  Final submission deadline: June 12, at noon (ET)  All applications must be submitted through the ACO Management System . To ensure a smooth application process, ACOs should review the Medicare Shared Savings Program Overview and plan accordingly.  How DataGen supports ACOs  Successfully participating in MSSP requires robust data analysis  and financial benchmarking. DataGen provides tailored solutions to help ACOs navigate the complex...

The implications of Medicare payment policy changes can be both significant and complex. For healthcare providers, hospital administrators and policy analysts, understanding these potential adjustments is essential for financial planning and advocacy.   DataGen’s recently released 2025 Potential Medicare Changes Analysis report offers an in-depth evaluation of how proposed changes could impact Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) payments across various care settings, including inpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and more.  Here’s a breakdown of the key findings and insights from our report, providing annual impact estimate breakouts for all proposals from 2026 to 2035.*  What DataGen’s potential Medicare changes analysis covers  The potential Medicare changes analysis reviews Medicare payment scenarios policymakers are considering to achieve long-term deficit reduction and improve payment policies. It evaluates the financial impact o...

*Updated in 2025 Public health is trapped in an inverse relationship. It supports many needs with few resources. The Commonwealth Fund's report,  U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective, 2022: Accelerating Spending, Worsening Outcomes , found that the U.S. spends twice as much on healthcare than the average, high-income country. In particular, we spend more on healthcare treatment and less on prevention, a primary focus of public health.  In CNN's response to The Commonwealth Fund's 2022 report , Jacqueline Howard interviewed Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, who stated, “[W]e don’t do as much primary care prevention as the other nations, and we still have a public health system, which is fractured . . . [We also] under-invest compared to other industrialized nations in societal things. They spend their money on providing upfront support for their citizens. We spend our money on sick care.” If you work in a he...