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AHIP SmartBrief Special Edition

December 13, 2007

Looking forward to 2008
Part I of this AHIP Solutions SmartBrief special year-end report looked back at the most important trends and stories of 2007. Part II, below, highlights our predictions and yours for what's in store for 2008.

From where I sit, the upcoming year will present many challenges and opportunities for our industry. Insurers will continue to provide innovative new plans to help young people, the elderly and others buy health coverage. Consumers will take more responsibility for their health care as health savings accounts become more popular and as doctors and hospitals begin reporting quality and pricing information. In addition, advances in and adoption of health information technology and evidence-based medicine could have a real impact on care quality and health care costs.

As for events, the first half of the year promises the Executive Leadership Summit in Phoenix; the National Policy Forum in Washington, D.C.; and Institute 2008, AHIP's annual meeting, in San Francisco. Visit the AHIP Web site for full details.

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Your Predictions

Which of the following trends was most significant in 2007?

CMS ruling not to reimburse costs for preventable errors -- 35%
Obesity epidemic continuing -- 29%
Expansion of walk-in clinics in retail health settings -- 26%
Efforts to provide more insurance options for young people -- 10%

What do you think should receive the most attention in 2008?

Wellness and prevention programs -- 53%
Chronic disease management -- 19%
Health IT adoption -- 19%
Patient safety -- 9%

Do you think health insurance coverage for virtually all Americans will become a reality in 2008?

No -- 77%
Maybe by 2010 -- 21%
Yes -- 2%

Which of the following could do the most to reduce health care costs?

Healthy lifestyles -- 60%
Management of chronic conditions -- 21%
Evidence-based medicine -- 10%
Consumer education and awareness -- 9%

Are you getting full value from your healthcare IT investment? Quest Diagnostics Care360 helps drive quality outcomes and operational efficiencies through superior clinical insights at the point of care. Call 800-444-6235 or click Care360 Physician Portal for information on ePrescribing and Universal Lab Orders and Results.

AHIP 2008 Events

Upcoming AHIP Conferences
Executive Leadership Summit
Feb. 6 to 8, 2008
Phoenix, Ariz.

National Policy Forum
March 4 to 6, 2008
Washington, D.C.

AHIP/OPM Carrier Conference
March 19 and 20, 2008
Washington, D.C.

Institute 2008 - AHIP's Annual Meeting
June 18 to 20, 2008
San Francisco, Calif.

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