Imagine a completely transparent clinical decision support system that allows providers to self-govern the ordering process and receive approval for a test or procedure in less than one minute. HealthHelp will offer exactly that with MedTree QDS, launching in select markets in May.

Providers will access the system, which integrates with HealthHelp's Consult program for radiology, cardiology, oncology, spinal surgery, and pain benefits management, via an intuitive web or tablet interface. MedTree QDS will guide providers to the current, evidence-based appropriateness rating for a chosen test or treatment plan as well as additional information relating to the procedure, including benchmark utilization metrics for stated indications.

If a test or treatment plan receives a low appropriateness rating, the system will display comparisons to local and national averages and offer more suitable options. The provider then will be able to provide justification for orders of borderline appropriateness or request a peer-to-peer consultation with an academically affiliated subspecialist.

“MedTree QDS gives providers access to the latest information and the most cutting-edge technologies,” said Cherrill Farnsworth, President and CEO of HealthHelp. “This new system serves as the latest of many innovative ways HealthHelp aids providers and payors in their efforts to improve quality of care and patient safety, while generating savings.”

The system also collects feedback, to further enhance the provider’s experience based on patterns of use, thus improving care for subsequent patients and user experience for providers. With an emphasis on quality, this serves as just one example of how HealthHelp's programs qualify as a quality and safety program under the federal medical loss ratio requirements, resulting in additional savings for payors.

In conjunction with leading clinicians and medical informatics experts, HealthHelp developed MedTree QDS to integrate seamlessly with its Consult program. Initial usage of the system demonstrates a 3-5% decrease in imaging utilization over that of a traditional radiology benefits management pre-certification process, with an increase in appropriate ordering by 38% and a decrease in inappropriate ordering by 51%.

The availability of MedTree QDS will further solidify HealthHelp’s position as the industry’s leader in transparent, collaborative specialty benefits management, ideally suited for the current healthcare environment.

About HealthHelp®

HealthHelp, a leader in specialty benefits management, generates significant savings and return on investment for health care payors by enhancing physician knowledge, improving quality of care, and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. Each of its programs addresses a different aspect of radiology, cardiology, medical and radiation oncology, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal care, and sleep medicine. The clients of Houston-based HealthHelp administer local, statewide, and national health care plans across the country. For more information about HealthHelp’s programs, visit www.healthhelp.com/specialties.