IBM + Acuity.health Partnership
Value-Based Care Technology & Implementation Services
Objective: Position IBM as the premier implementation partner for Acuity's AI-native value-based care platform, targeting Tennessee's $4.2B healthcare market
Value-Based Care Market Fundamentals
VBC Payment Model Evolution
Payment Model | Risk Level | Technology Requirements | IBM Service Opportunity |
---|---|---|---|
Fee-for-Service | None | Basic EHR, billing systems | $50K - Implementation |
Pay-for-Performance | Low | Quality reporting, basic analytics | $150K - Analytics setup |
Shared Savings (ACO) | Medium | Population health, care management | $500K - Care model redesign |
Capitation/Global Budget | High | Predictive analytics, real-time monitoring | $1M+ - Full transformation |
Organizations expecting increased VBC revenue in 2025
Medicare Advantage market size (growing 8% annually)
Healthcare executives cite technology as VBC success barrier
Acuity Platform: Technical Architecture
Core Technology Stack
TEFCA/QHIN
HL7 FHIR
CommonWell
EHR APIs
CHI Risk Engine
NLP/NLU
Ambient Listening
ML Models
Mission Control
Risk Alerts
Care Gaps
Workflows
Quality Metrics
Cost Analytics
Contract Performance
ROI Reporting
Continuous Health Index (CHI)
- Technology: Transformer-based neural networks
- Data Sources: 140+ elements (vitals, labs, medications, social determinants)
- Prediction Window: 30-day adverse event forecasting
- Architecture: Multi-agent "mixture of experts" system
- Output: Real-time risk scores (0-100 scale)
Ambient Clinical Documentation
- Technology: Voice recognition + NLP processing
- Capabilities: SOAP note generation, OASIS autofill
- Integration: Real-time EHR population
- Accuracy: 95%+ clinical documentation accuracy
- Time Savings: 30-40% reduction in documentation time
Acuity's Role in Value-Based Care Operations
VBC Success Framework
VBC Requirement | Traditional Approach | Acuity Solution | Measurable Outcome |
---|---|---|---|
Risk Stratification | Annual HCC coding, claims analysis | Real-time CHI scoring, continuous monitoring | 30-day prediction accuracy, early intervention |
Care Coordination | Manual case management, phone calls | Mission Control dashboard, automated alerts | Reduced readmissions, improved HEDIS scores |
Quality Reporting | Retrospective data mining, manual abstraction | Ambient documentation, automated capture | Improved star ratings, reduced admin burden |
Cost Management | Claims review, utilization management | Predictive analytics, preventive interventions | Lower total cost of care, avoided admissions |
Reduction in preventable readmissions
Annual savings per health system
Decrease in documentation time
IBM Service Wrapper Strategy
Pre-Implementation Services
- VBC Readiness Assessment: Evaluate current state, identify gaps ($75K-150K)
- Data Architecture Review: EHR integration planning, FHIR readiness ($50K-100K)
- Workflow Analysis: Clinical process mapping, optimization opportunities ($100K-200K)
- Change Management Planning: Stakeholder analysis, training curriculum ($75K-125K)
Implementation Services
- Technical Integration: EHR connectivity, API development ($200K-400K)
- Model Validation: CHI calibration, local population tuning ($150K-300K)
- Workflow Configuration: Mission Control setup, alert thresholds ($100K-200K)
- User Training: Clinical staff onboarding, super-user certification ($75K-150K)
Post-Implementation Services
- Performance Optimization: Continuous model improvement ($100K-200K annually)
- Outcome Measurement: ROI tracking, contract performance ($75K-150K annually)
- Advanced Analytics: Custom reporting, predictive modeling ($150K-300K annually)
- Expansion Services: Multi-site rollout, additional use cases ($200K-500K)
Tennessee Market: Technical Implementation Requirements
Major Tennessee Health Systems - Technology Stack
Organization | EHR System | VBC Maturity | Integration Complexity | Est. Implementation Value |
---|---|---|---|---|
HCA Healthcare | Epic (180+ facilities) | Advanced - Multiple ACO contracts | High - Enterprise-wide deployment | $2M-4M |
Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Epic + research systems | Advanced - Academic medical center | Medium - Single health system | $1M-2M |
Erlanger Health System | Epic | Medium - Regional health system | Medium - Multi-facility | $750K-1.5M |
BlueCross BlueShield TN | Multiple (payer systems) | Advanced - MA and Medicaid | High - Multi-provider network | $1.5M-3M |
Major health systems in Tennessee requiring VBC solutions
Total addressable market for IBM services
Typical enterprise implementation timeline
CHI Risk Engine: Technical Specifications
Multi-Agent Architecture
BP, HR, Temp, O2Sat
Trend analysis
Threshold monitoring
CBC, CMP, HbA1c
Abnormal value detection
Multi-parameter correlation
Adherence monitoring
Drug interactions
Dosage optimization
Housing, transportation
Social isolation
Economic factors
Model Performance Metrics
- Sensitivity: 87% (correctly identifies high-risk patients)
- Specificity: 92% (correctly identifies low-risk patients)
- Positive Predictive Value: 78% (high-risk prediction accuracy)
- C-statistic: 0.89 (excellent discriminative ability)
- Update Frequency: Real-time with each new data point
IBM Validation Services
- Historical Data Analysis: Retrospective validation using client data
- Population Calibration: Adjust model for local patient demographics
- Performance Monitoring: Ongoing accuracy assessment and retraining
- Clinical Validation: Physician review of risk predictions
- Regulatory Compliance: FDA guidance, clinical decision support standards
Ambient Documentation: Implementation Architecture
Processing Pipeline
Multi-directional microphones
Noise cancellation
HIPAA-compliant recording
Medical vocabulary training
Accent adaptation
Real-time transcription
Clinical entity extraction
Sentiment analysis
Context understanding
SOAP note formatting
OASIS autofill
EHR integration
OASIS Autofill Capabilities
- Functional Status: ADL assessment, mobility scoring
- Medication Review: Drug list validation, adherence assessment
- Safety Evaluation: Fall risk, home hazard identification
- Diagnosis Capture: Primary/secondary diagnosis documentation
- Care Planning: Goal setting, intervention planning
IBM Implementation Services
- Hardware Setup: Microphone installation, network configuration
- Workflow Integration: EHR embedding, user interface customization
- Training & Adoption: Clinical staff training, change management
- Quality Assurance: Documentation accuracy monitoring
- Continuous Improvement: Model refinement, user feedback integration
Mission Control: Dashboard Configuration & Analytics
Role-Based Dashboard Views
User Role | Primary KPIs | Alert Types | Action Items |
---|---|---|---|
Home Health Nurse | Patient CHI scores, visit compliance | High-risk patient alerts, medication adherence | Schedule extra visits, telehealth check-ins |
Care Manager | Panel risk distribution, care gaps | Rising risk trends, missed appointments | Patient outreach, care plan updates |
Clinical Director | Readmission rates, quality metrics | Performance threshold breaches | Resource allocation, staff assignments |
CFO/Administrator | Cost per episode, contract performance | Budget variance, contract risk | Financial planning, contract negotiations |
Configurable KPIs and metrics
Daily time savings per clinician
Reduction in manual reporting tasks
Interoperability Architecture
Data Source Integration
Data Source | Integration Method | Data Types | Update Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
Epic EHR | SMART on FHIR, bulk FHIR | Clinical notes, lab results, medications | Real-time via webhooks |
Cerner EHR | HL7 FHIR R4, CDS Hooks | Patient demographics, vitals, orders | Batch updates every 15 minutes |
CommonWell HIE | TEFCA/QHIN protocols | ADT feeds, care summaries | Event-driven (real-time) |
Remote Monitoring | Device APIs, Bluetooth/WiFi | Vitals, weight, glucose, activity | Continuous streaming |
Payer Systems | X12 EDI, custom APIs | Claims, authorizations, coverage | Daily batch processing |
Technical Standards Compliance
- FHIR R4: Full USCDI v3 compliance
- CDS Hooks: Real-time clinical decision support
- SMART on FHIR: EHR-embedded applications
- TEFCA: Nationwide interoperability framework
- OAuth 2.0: Secure API authentication
IBM Integration Services
- Data Mapping: Source system to FHIR transformation
- API Development: Custom connectors for legacy systems
- Security Implementation: HIPAA compliance, encryption
- Testing & Validation: Integration testing, performance optimization
- Monitoring: 24/7 data flow monitoring and alerting
ROI Model & Financial Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis (3-Year Projection)
Cost Component | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acuity Platform License | $200K | $220K | $240K | $660K |
IBM Implementation Services | $500K | $200K | $150K | $850K |
Ongoing Support & Optimization | $100K | $150K | $200K | $450K |
Total Investment | $800K | $570K | $590K | $1.96M |
Benefit Component | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Avoided Readmissions (20% reduction) | $400K | $600K | $800K | $1.8M |
Documentation Efficiency (35% time savings) | $300K | $350K | $400K | $1.05M |
Quality Bonuses (Star Rating improvement) | $150K | $300K | $450K | $900K |
Care Management Efficiency | $200K | $250K | $300K | $750K |
Total Benefits | $1.05M | $1.5M | $1.95M | $4.5M |
ROI Ratio (3-year cumulative)
Break-even point
Net present value (3-year)
IBM Implementation Methodology
Phased Implementation Approach
Phase | Duration | Key Activities | Deliverables | Success Criteria |
---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1: Assessment | 4-6 weeks | Current state analysis, gap identification | Readiness assessment, implementation plan | Signed implementation roadmap |
Phase 2: Foundation | 8-12 weeks | Data integration, infrastructure setup | Technical architecture, data flows | Successful test data transmission |
Phase 3: Core Deployment | 12-16 weeks | CHI implementation, dashboard configuration | Live CHI scores, Mission Control access | Clinical validation of risk predictions |
Phase 4: Advanced Features | 8-12 weeks | Ambient documentation, workflow optimization | OASIS autofill, clinical decision support | 30% reduction in documentation time |
Phase 5: Optimization | Ongoing | Performance monitoring, continuous improvement | ROI reports, optimization recommendations | Sustained performance improvements |
Change Management Framework
- Stakeholder Engagement: Executive sponsors, clinical champions
- Communication Plan: Regular updates, success stories, feedback loops
- Training Program: Role-based training, competency assessments
- Support Structure: Help desk, super-users, ongoing coaching
Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Technical Risks: Parallel testing, rollback procedures
- Clinical Risks: Physician oversight, validation protocols
- Operational Risks: Phased rollout, contingency planning
- Financial Risks: Performance guarantees, milestone-based payments
Competitive Positioning Analysis
Market Comparison Matrix
Capability | Acuity + IBM | Innovaccer | Health Catalyst | Arcadia |
---|---|---|---|---|
Real-time Risk Prediction | ✓ CHI with 30-day prediction | ✗ Retrospective only | ✗ Batch processing | ✗ Static risk scores |
Ambient Documentation | ✓ Voice + NLP + OASIS | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not available |
Interoperability | ✓ TEFCA/QHIN native | △ Custom integrations | △ ETL required | △ Limited HIE connectivity |
Implementation Support | ✓ Full IBM consulting | △ Partner network | △ Limited services | △ Third-party required |
Clinical Workflow Integration | ✓ Point-of-care decision support | ✗ Separate analytics platform | ✗ Analyst-focused tools | ✗ Population health only |
Unique Value Proposition
Acuity + IBM delivers the only integrated solution that combines real-time predictive analytics, ambient clinical documentation, and comprehensive implementation services specifically designed for value-based care success.
Partnership Business Model
Revenue Sharing Structure
Client Size | Acuity License | IBM Services | Total Deal Value | Revenue Split |
---|---|---|---|---|
Small Health System (1-3 facilities) | $100K-200K | $300K-500K | $400K-700K | 30% Acuity / 70% IBM |
Medium Health System (4-10 facilities) | $300K-600K | $800K-1.5M | $1.1M-2.1M | 35% Acuity / 65% IBM |
Large Health System (10+ facilities) | $600K-1.5M | $1.5M-4M | $2.1M-5.5M | 40% Acuity / 60% IBM |
Payer/ACO Networks | $500K-2M | $1M-3M | $1.5M-5M | 45% Acuity / 55% IBM |
Go-to-Market Strategy
- Joint Sales Team: IBM account executives + Acuity technical specialists
- Marketing Collaboration: Co-branded content, joint conference presence
- Territory Management: IBM leads Tennessee market development
- Pipeline Management: Shared CRM, joint forecasting
Success Metrics
- 2025 Target: 5-8 major implementations in Tennessee
- Revenue Goal: $3M-6M combined partnership revenue
- Market Share: 15-20% of Tennessee VBC technology market
- Client Satisfaction: 90%+ Net Promoter Score
Next Steps & Implementation Plan
90-Day Partnership Launch Plan
Week | Milestone | Key Activities | Deliverables |
---|---|---|---|
Weeks 1-2 | Partnership Agreement | Legal framework, revenue sharing terms | Signed partnership agreement |
Weeks 3-4 | Team Formation | Joint team structure, roles & responsibilities | Integrated project team |
Weeks 5-8 | Market Analysis | Tennessee prospect identification, prioritization | Target client list, engagement strategy |
Weeks 9-12 | Pilot Development | Proof of concept design, client selection | Pilot program proposal, technical specifications |
Immediate Actions Required
- Executive Sponsorship: Assign IBM healthcare practice leader
- Legal Review: Partnership agreement template development
- Technical Assessment: Acuity platform technical review
- Market Research: Tennessee healthcare landscape analysis
Success Factors
- Joint Commitment: Dedicated resources from both organizations
- Clear Communication: Regular partnership reviews, shared metrics
- Client Focus: Outcome-driven implementation approach
- Continuous Improvement: Iterative refinement based on market feedback
Partnership Value Proposition
IBM + Acuity.health represents the most comprehensive value-based care solution available in the market today, combining cutting-edge AI technology with proven implementation expertise to deliver measurable outcomes for Tennessee healthcare organizations.