Experts predict top 10 payer trends for 2010

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Industry experts predict that the number one trend for healthcare payers in 2010 will be the renewal of information management business models.

In a new 17-page report, titled "U.S. Healthcare Payer 2010 Top 10 Predictions," IDC Health Insights researchers also list among their top 10 payer predictions:

• Business intelligence technology will be the number one investment category.
• Actionable advice initiatives will lead healthcare payer business intelligence priorities and investment.
• Legislative and regulatory compliance initiatives will be among the top 3 technology investment categories in 2010.
• Healthcare payers will seek and prioritize strategic technology partnerships-following the hype will be over- return on investment and value lead selection criteria priorities
• Segmentation will become the new strategic asset.
• Reform and the value-based health plan model will drive sales and customer acquisition automation ("quote to card") solutions.
• Payment reform will drive new investment in provider network, contract, payment, and analytic solutions.
• Communications and document management technology investment will appear among the top 10 technology investment growth categories.
• Medical home best practices will emerge.

Along with the top 10 predictions, the report names the healthcare reform bill and the ICD-10 mandate as the top two issues expected to affect the payer market in 2010.