The HIMSS Population Care Management Knowledge Center has always had a presence at the annual conference, but this year it will be overhauled into a new Solutions Lab.

The 16,000-square-feet lab will be located in the Casanova room next to the exhibit hall at HIMSS18 in Las Vegas. 

On one side will be population health solution topics. On the other, healthcare administrative solutions. In the middle will be a theater featuring 30-minute presentations on various topics such as opioid issues, AI and machine learning.

“This year we are vastly growing and enhancing the active learning experience as they explore solutions to population health needs,” said Shelley Price, director of payer and life sciences for HIMSS North America. “We have expanded the concept. There will be a solutions bar, fireside chats, meeting rooms and a question of the day.” 

Staff began planning for the Solutions Lab shortly after HIMSS17 in Orlando, according to Price. 

“We heard from attendees and they want to engage with solution vendors,” Price said. “We also heard from attendees who wanted more interaction.”

The Solutions Lab will offer both.

“The fireside chat is a more intimate and interactive setting with thought leaders across population health,” Price said. “That’s what we’re trying to strive for at the Solutions Lab, for interactive. It allows attendees to get upfront and personal. Instead of only learning globally, you can talk to solutions vendors.”

Population health topics will include big data and analytics, care coordination, chronic care management, business intelligence, consumer engagement and precision medicine.

Healthcare administration solutions topics will include accountable care, alternative payment models, business intelligence, provider compensation and reimbursement, quality reporting, revenue cycle improvement and risk management.

“It showcases practical solutions that use IT to improve population health and healthcare administration,” Price said.

Docents and wayfinders will be on the exhibit floor to help those interested to find the Solutions Lab, Price said. Attendees will be able to come in at any time the show floor is open. 

The Solutions Lab is in Booth 14000-1409.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com