Humana and ADVault expand MyDirectives for advance care planning
Medicare began reimbursing physicians for advance-care planning counseling in 2016, but only about a third of adults have such a document.
Humana and ADVault have announced the expansion of the digital advance care planning platform, MyDirectives to all Humana Medicare Advantage and commercial members.
Authorized providers can access the ADVault global repository and get real-time access to the goals, preferences and priorities of Humana members should they become incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves.
Through the MyHumana.com portal, members can create and update advance care plans. They can also upload any paper advance directives including the five wishes document, the Veterans Form 10-0137, or portable medical orders such as Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, into the repository.
The five wishes address: the person making care decisions when the individual can't; The kind of medical treatment wanted; how comfortable the individual wants to be; how an individual wants to be treated; and what the individual wants loved ones to know.
MyDirectives offers a consumer-friendly user interface with drop-down menus, video tutorials and family conversation guides. Members also have access to MyDirectives MOBILE and the ability to upload video and audio recordings.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Medicare has been reimbursing physicians for advance-care planning counseling since 2016.
Advance care planning is often the best way for providers and families to know what an individual wants if incapacitated.
The agreement with ADVault advances innovation, advance care planning, value-based care and more personalized care, Humana said.
THE LARGER TREND
The documents are often thought of as being part of the conversation of end-of-life care, but about half of people with a living will or other type of advanced medical directive are not seriously ill or have a chronic condition, according to Reuters.
About a third of adults have advance medical directives, the report said.
ON THE RECORD
"Humana is showing strong leadership by enabling its members to have a voice in their care, especially if they've had an accident or are in a crisis and can't communicate," said Jeff Zucker, CEO of ADVault.
Humana's Dr. Phil Painter, Chief Medical Officer, Health Care Services said, "We believe it's important for our members to have an easy way to document and share their specific wishes with family and providers in the event they cannot speak for themselves."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
