A New Medical Banking Ecosystem [Update]

Franklin, TN (December 6, 2007) Global delegates will convene at the Sixth National Medical Banking Institute on April 1-3, 2008 in Marietta, GA, to discuss best practices and case studies in the convergence of banking and healthcare systems. The theme of the event "A New Medical Banking Ecosystem" offers a view of the future of a healthcare system that is much more tightly linked with everyday banking," said John Casillas, founder of the Medical Banking Project and chair of the Institute. "This is an exceptional journey and we're receiving overwhelming confirmation in the marketplace that medical banking both works and is growing."

A new "International Journal of Medical Banking" will be launched at the event, further documenting industry growth. "Medical banking is a global phenomenon," said BP Fulmer, president of the Institute and Executive Director of Commercial EDI Services for ACS. "Its got a long tail wind and our prognosis for the future is high growth as medical banking systems seek to offer greater value in the marketplace."

Organized by the Medical Banking Project, both the Institute, peer reviewed by the President's Council, a panel of leading banking and healthcare experts, and the Journal, featuring an editorial advisory board of commercial executives, academicians and employer-based medical officers, offers a uniquely engaging and authoritative venue for gaining critical insights into medical banking convergence.

The Institute hosts three educational tracks, a new "Medical Banking Boot Camp", an advanced topics program and a members-only room for pilot updates, voting and more. Tracks include:

The Hybrid Revenue Platform: chaired by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). The track will feature the evolution of health data management across banking and healthcare systems  a pivotal technical axis in the build out of medical banking services. The sessions will focus on rationalizing the "extreme paper chase" in healthcare for institutions and everyday consumers too. Batch and real time systems will be showcased. In addition, a new "Dispute Resolution Initiative" at MBProject will convene leadership and seek attendee comments on industry recommendations to simplify the use of denial codes in the claims payment process.

Privacy & Adoption of E/PHRs: chaired by the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS). The track will unveil new banking programs that support health information exchanges. Presentations will feature how consumers can start a "care clipping" service through local banks. Other models that will be presented include Health Record Trusts and a framework for bank-supported RHIOs. A critical debate will examine privacy and security of data in banking systems. A global consumer survey will be referenced that found that banks are the most trusted entity for digital identity in today's emerging electronic world.

Value-Centered Medical Consumerism: chaired by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The track will examine the evolution of consumer health IT services through case studies and presentations. We will feature the convergence of B2B and B2C platforms, the evolution of consumer tools that support a value-centered approach for healthcare and systems migration towards the online banking platform/format to speed adoption of consumer engagement in healthcare.

A new "Medical Banking Boot Camp" will help organizations that need staff training in the complex area of medical banking. The course provides a unique primer for executives who are forming strategy in new medical banking services. A certificate of completion will be issued to those completing the course.

Two new programs have also been announced:

• Room A: Advanced Topics in Medical Banking; will include "A Medical Banking Gold Seal" for privacy and security accreditation, a Medical Banking Tool Kit for Employers and "Your Medical Banking Avatar: New Dimensions of Consumerism Using Web 2.0."
• Room B: Members Only - Reserved for members of MBProject to review pilot programs and to vote on 2007-2008 initiatives.

The event, organized by MBProject, is open to the public. Online registration is now available at http://www.mbproject.org/6MBI2008_registration.php. Early registration is strongly recommended. A full agenda in addition to white paper and keynote selections will be posted online at http://www.mbproject.org.

Top tier sponsorship programs are also available. To receive a Sponsorship Guide call Evelyn Marquez at 615-794-2009 or email the MBProject staff at [email protected].

About the Medical Banking Project
MBProject is a pioneering authority that coined the term "medical banking" to denote the emerging global convergence of banking and healthcare systems to improve health costs, quality and access. Our educational forums, workgroups and pilot programs showcase visionary ideas and initiatives that inform policy, commerce and academia. Supported by a diverse constituency, MBProject conducts research and outreach that defines and facilitates medical banking, and this supports our mission to convert digital savings into charitable resources. Our work demonstrates how banks can improve healthcare programs for consumers, care givers, health plans and employers.

For more information please go to: http://www.mbproject.org or contact Evelyn Marquez Sanchez at 615-794-2009 or [email protected]