Springtime in Washington: CAST Offerings at PEAK

The arrival of spring was not the first thing on our minds last week when Washington, DC, was blanketed by more than a foot of snow. But now, there’s good news! The sun is out. Temperatures are in the 50s. And the PEAK Leadership Summit is right around the corner.

A little over 3 weeks from now—on March 17-19—LeadingAge and CAST members will descend on Washington for our annual spring event. I promise that the educational vistas will be crystal clear and the networking opportunities will warm your day.

4 CAST Sessions Will Pique Your Interest

CAST is offering 4 PEAK sessions that I know you will enjoy. Register today for these sessions by visiting the PEAK website:

• The Role of Technology in Integrated Care Delivery Models takes place on Mon., March 17 from 12:30-2 p.m. This session will help you understand how enabling technologies can facilitate, streamline and coordinate care in models like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and accountable care organizations. Wondering how these technologies positively impact quality of care outcomes, efficiencies, cost and return on investment? This session will provide answers.

• Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring: Provider Case Studies takes place on Mon., March 17 at 2:30-4 p.m. Come and hear how different providers approached the selection and implementation of telehealth in different settings to address the needs of the populations they serve. Presenters will share how telehealth impacted quality of care, hospitalization and hospital readmission rates in their organizations. They’ll also share the lessons they learned along the way.

• Our Technology Forum takes place on Tues., March 18 from 8:30-10 a.m. Come and hear about the latest trends in technology adoption and spending from LeadingAge members who are at the forefront of innovation. These members will discuss the range of technologies they’re using and will give you advice on how to develop a sound information technology (IT) strategic plan. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with peers and explore your areas of interest and concern, and to gain insights about available solutions and resources.

• Transforming Lives with Technology: From Humanoid Butler to Smart Glasses takes place Wed., March 19 from 8:30-10 a.m. During this session, you’ll see how the Quality of Life Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University is developing new technologies to help older adults participate in their communities longer and more fully. You’ll also hear from aging services providers who are participating in and helping to shape the development of emerging technologies. How will these technologies revolutionize aging services by changing future delivery models? Come to this session and find out.

LTPAC Health IT Summit

After you’ve experienced the inspiring technology sessions at PEAK, I know you’ll want to extend your education by attending the 10th Annual Long-Term and Post-Acute Care (LTPAC) Health IT Summit in Baltimore. The Summit, which is co-sponsored and co-organized by LeadingAge and CAST, doesn’t take place until June 22-24, 2014. But this issue of Tech Time reminds you about several important dates that will be here before you know it:

• March 3 is the new extended deadline to propose an educational session for the Summit. 

• April 7 is the deadline to apply for a spot in the Interoperability & Innovation Showcase, which takes place at the Summit. 

Please see our article about the Summit to find out more about how you can participate.

In This Issue

This issue of Tech Time includes many great articles.

Be sure to read our article on Why CCHIT is Stepping Away from EHR Certification and the implications for LTPAC providers and EHR vendors.

In addition, check out the latest news from CAST Supporters HealthMEDX and Healthsense; CAST Patrons Front Porch and Hebrew Home at Riverdale; CAST University Member Carnegie Mellon University; and LeadingAge Members Clermont Park Retirement Community, Ecumen and Lutheran SeniorLife.

This issue also offers 7 tips to help you get ready for the upcoming transition to ICD-10.

I hope our article about how telemedicine is keeping nursing home residents out of the hospital will spur you to consider adopting this technology.

Finally, check out our article about LeadingAge members that are participating in the Medicare Bundled Payments for Care Initiative (BPCI). And find out how you can apply for BPCI's next funding round.

I hope you enjoy these and other articles in this issue of Tech Time. Please contact me with any comments or questions.