Looking for a way to improve the results of your predictive modeling program?

Improving the Quality of Data Collection for Effective Predictive Modeling, a November 30, 2004 audio conference on CD-ROM, provides successful approaches for using advanced data mining techniques to improve predictive modeling results.

Ineffective predictive modeling — either through poor models or data — can waste valuable health plan resources and negatively impact relations with members. Initiatives are under way to advance the availability, quality and timeliness of data sources that may enhance these technologies, including clinical data.

During this audio conference on CD-ROM, we walk you through what steps organizations are taking to improve predictive modeling data.

Our expert panel includes:

• Danielle Butin, Manager, Health Promotion and Wellness, Oxford Health Plans
• Michael Cousins, Ph.D, Director of Informatics, Health Management Corporation
• James M. Dolstad, ASA, MAAA, Vice President of Actuarial Services, SHPS Inc.
• Jerry Osband, MD, Chief Medical Officer, SHPS Inc.

You'll get details on:

• Translating predictive modeling results into actionable information;
• Effectively measuring outcomes and ensuring a return on your investment;
• Integrating assessments into predictive models;
• Accessing real-time data for predictive modeling purposes;
• Using advanced data mining techniques; and
• Incorporating new data sources

You can "attend" this program right in your office and enjoy significant savings – no travel time or hassle; no hotel expenses. It’s so convenient! Invite your staff members to participate to listen to this conference on CD-ROM.

Who Will Benefit from this audio-conference?

CFOs, CMOs, risk managers, actuaries, analysts, informatics, medical directors, and executives responsible for utilization management, disease management, case management and quality management from health plans, hospitals, PBMs, disease management companies, predictive modeling companies, large employer groups and physician groups.

About our Panelists:

Michael Cousins, PhD

As HMC’s Vice President of Health Informatics, Michael Cousins directs outcomes reporting, data transfer, data warehouse operations, and research and development initiatives. Primarily, he oversees the development of HMC’s savings methodologies and predictive models used to risk-stratify members with chronic conditions.

A noted DM industry thought leader, Cousins has spoken at key conferences presented by the AAHP, DMAA, NMHCC, NMHCC DM Congress, and the Society of Actuaries. His quotes and interviews have also appeared in national publications including HealthLeaders and Managed Care Magazine.

Prior to joining HMC in 2000, Cousins was a clinical research associate for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago, where he was the project manager for several successful pharmacology studies in the areas of drug abuse, depression, and Parkinson's disease. His responsibilities included experimental design and data analysis. Cousins holds a doctoral degree from the University of Connecticut in neuroscience.

Danielle Butin, MPH, OTR

Danielle Butin is the Manager of the Health Promotion and Wellness Department at Oxford Health Plans.

In the Medicare Division of Oxford Health Plans, Butin has developed a number of innovative health screening, self-management, care management and wellness programs.

Butin also serves as a member of the HMO Workgroup on Care Management. For the past 10 years, Butin has served on the faculty of the Occupational Therapy Department at Columbia University. Before joining Oxford, Butin held supervisory positions in geriatric psychiatry, community health and home-care. She has published a number of articles in the field of aging in self management strategies for dementia, depression and de-conditioning. In addition, Butin maintains a private practice where she specializes in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of older adults and their caregivers.

Butin received her Masters in Public Health with a specialization in Geriatrics and Gerontology at Columbia University and her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from New York University.

Gerald Osband, MD

Jerry Osband, MD, is the chief medical officer (CMO) for SHPS. In his senior management role as CMO, Dr. Osband’s primary responsibility includes the oversight and management of clinical processes for utilization management, disease management, and disability programs, as well as all clinical content, education, and training.

Dr. Osband also plays a significant role in developing strategic client relationships, product development and prioritizing medical management programs as they relate to the corporate IT function. He is responsible for SHPS’ quality management and quality improvement programs, including HIPAA and accreditation programs and is the Chairman of the Medical Leadership Group and SHPS’ Quality Improvement Committee.

He is a board-certified family physician with 14 years of clinical practice experience. Dr. Osband has 12 years of physician executive experience as a chief operating officer and CMO in health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations and indemnity environments for managed care programs in group health, short-term disability/long-term disability and workers compensation.

James Dolstad, ASA, MAAA

James Dolstad is a senior consulting actuary, responsible for both the SHPS Actuarial Services team and Western Consulting Practice. Dolstad’s primary responsibility is working with Fortune 1000 clients across the country to proactively manage their health and welfare plans. This involves assisting the employer in developing benefit strategies consistent with their corporate objectives, implementing the strategies, and developing monitoring tools and benchmarks from which to manage the plan in the future.

Much of Dolstad’s work over the past few years include design, pricing and financial analysis of comprehensive flexible benefit plans, managed care plans and consumer driven health plans. He also supervises a team of analysts measuring, analyzing and reporting on the SHPS Healthcare Service disease and case management program.

Dolstad’s most recent efforts on the actuarial side have focused on enhancing and expanding the reporting for SHPS Healthcare Services divisions. The new reports incorporate actuarial principles and practices along with predictive modeling to provide customers with insight on both the retrospective and prospective performance of their health plans. Specific emphasis is placed on measuring the primary aspects of the disease management value chain. In addition, he has been working on integrating lifestyle risk data with clinical intervention data to better understand the impact of different services on the healthcare continuum.

Dolstad’s is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He graduated cum laude from the University of Puget Sound, majoring in both Mathematics and Economics.