AHIP to Offer Members Access to Analytics Platform, Data Reports

AHIP has subscribed to the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review’s (ICER) cloud-based analytics platform, providing health plan members with access to benchmark reports, cost-effectiveness data, and policy recommendations.

As a nonprofit research organization, ICER focuses on collecting evidence-based data on the clinical and economic value of medical tests, medical devices, prescription drugs, and other healthcare delivery innovations.

In addition, the organization works with health plans, clinical experts, and academic leaders to include the healthcare stakeholders in its evidence review process.

ICER Analytics uses this data to generate analyses and policy plans for users. Following AHIP’s announcement, more than 100 payers will have access to the tool.

“AHIP’s subscription now puts ICER’s work at the fingertips of all AHIP members in a new way,” Kate Berry, senior vice president of clinical affairs and strategic partnerships at AHIP, said in the press release.

“ICER Analytics will allow AHIP members to search and sort through evidence-based reports, create customized data analyses, and explore new ways to apply evidence as they work toward a health system based on fair value and effectiveness.”

The platform includes two tools that provide data for payers. The Evidence Compendium is a summary of ICER’s evidence reports and consists of clinical effectiveness ratings, pricing benchmarks for drugs, and videos that explain the key points of each report. Payers can also use this part of the platform to compare current or desired prices to existing benchmarks.

The other tool—the Interactive Modeler—is a version of the ICER analytics model. Using this tool, payers can analyze aspects of individual economic models, enter different parameters based on specific cost structures or patient populations, and publish alternative pricing benchmarks based on updated assumptions and new data.

Other ICER Analytics users include pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and Medicaid agencies.

AHIP members can access the analytics tool for free by contacting ICER’s Strategic Partnerships Team to begin their subscription.

“We believe that AHIP’s special subscription on behalf of all its members represents a seminal moment in the growth of the application of evidence on effectiveness and value in the US healthcare system,” Steven D. Pearson, MD, president of ICER, stated in the press release.

“Over the past 16 years, ICER has dedicated itself to catalyzing more transparent public dialogue on access and value. The use of our work has grown as life sciences companies, payers, and state and federal policymakers all seek ways to achieve higher value healthcare.”

Payers have turned to analytics in the past to help improve operations. Leveraging real-time data analytics can help payers predict membership changes, monitor prescription choices, and determine when certain services are in high demand.

Successful data collection methods make it easier for health plans to address member needs directly. Data collection is especially important when it comes to health equity.

Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) called for standardized health equity data collection methods. The payer organization stated that data must be high quality, granular, disaggregated, and change-monitoring in order to help address health inequities and care disparities.