MaxMD is a leading provider of secure healthcare information technology and interoperability solutions. Our commitment lies in delivering secure communication solutions that facilitate seamless coordinated care for healthcare practices, organizations, hospital systems, and HIT application service providers.
In this interview with Mr. Scott Finlay, let’s delve deeper into the company’s operations.
Could you provide an overview of MaxMD?
Since its establishment, MaxMD has been dedicated to establishing scalable and cost-effective clinical data liquidity. By offering technology that enhances patient care coordination and contributes to improved healthcare outcomes, MaxMD has garnered trust from healthcare clients across the industry. Presently, our focus remains on delivering value by streamlining the management of inputs and outputs from any new or existing edge system at a larger scale, making it safer, simpler, and more economical.
MaxMD harnesses our technical expertise and deep understanding of healthcare information technology standards to significantly enhance the value proposition beyond mere data transport, setting us apart from competitors in the industry.
We understand that relying solely on a single technology standard isn’t practical, given the fragmented nature of the healthcare sector. Hence, MaxMD capitalizes on existing effective solutions while preparing for upcoming advancements.
Distinguishing itself in the market, MaxMD excels in innovation for our clients. Unlike other Health Information Service Providers (HISPs) that concentrate solely on secure data transport, MaxMD offers solutions with robust features that optimize workflows and leverage both emerging and established HIT standards. Our services include a sophisticated integration engine capable of seamlessly converting data from proprietary formats to widely recognized HL7 C-CDA or FHIR formats, thus enhancing interoperability and data exchange efficiency.
While the company has integrated a data validation engine to oversee data quality and a robust rules engine to manage the flow, it has also incorporated a Natural Language Processing engine to leverage narrative data effectively. Consequently, the company’s services empower clients to access information in formats compatible with their existing technology and workflows or transition seamlessly to new formats that support enhanced workflows and technology.
Our vision centers on becoming an “interoperability solution provider” capable of delivering scalable and cost-effective clinical data liquidity without necessitating the abandonment of legacy systems or the relinquishment of control. We aim to offer “instant interoperability” by providing technology solutions that facilitate the adoption of emerging capabilities like mobile apps, digital devices, and web-based solutions to enhance healthcare communications and outcomes.
Our approach prioritizes the wider distribution of data over creating redundant consolidated data repositories, which we believe enhances security.
Fundamentally, MaxMD does not exploit client data for monetization purposes. While providing technology in exchange for free application use is one thing, profiting from the data flowing through that “free” technology is another matter entirely. As a trusted custodian of protected health information, our business model does not hinge on monetizing others’ data.
We defer decisions regarding data usage to the rightful owners. Clients can rest assured that we do not aggregate or sell their data. Upholding ethical data privacy and consent policies is integral to MaxMD’s principles.
What were the initial hurdles you encountered?
The healthcare industry has long grappled with interoperability challenges stemming from reliance on outdated, isolated systems, inconsistent data standards, and a highly fragmented marketplace. However, these challenges also present opportunities for our solutions to address. MaxMD specializes in developing scalable, standards-based solutions aimed at fostering cost-effective clinical data liquidity.
Although progress in exchanging interoperable health information has been gradual, recent developments such as the passing of the 21st Century Cures Act indicate a potential acceleration in change. Overcoming complexity in various areas remains a significant task. MaxMD offers accessible tools and services capable of interfacing with virtually any existing Healthcare Information Technology system. Our technology facilitates bi-directional exchange, enabling closed-loop communication and promoting patient-provider engagement.
Which was that point that triggered the growth of the company?
The company has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by an array of factors rather than a single catalyst. These include the establishment of the Office of the National Coordinator of Healthcare Information Technology, the emergence of standards like Clinical Data Architecture (CDA), the Direct Protocol (DSM), and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), as well as the shift towards value-based care. Legislation such as the 21st Century Cures Act has also played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and expansion.
MaxMD recognizes that relying solely on one technology standard is neither optimal nor feasible given the diverse nature of the healthcare market. Therefore, we leverage existing standards while preparing for future developments. With expertise in HL7 Version 2 (V2), Clinical Document Architecture (CDA), and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), we empower clients to achieve the interoperability they need. Our solutions cater to various client types and address a spectrum of needs.
We automate event notifications for admissions, discharges, and other care coordination activities, simplifying information exchange between healthcare technology innovators and legacy systems. MaxMD leads the way in deploying information exchange solutions that bridge traditional C-CDA standards with newer FHIR-based technology. Our solutions benefit providers, payers, and patients alike, offering mobile app technology to complement traditional EMR and edge-system user interfaces.
What factors contribute to the enduring success of your company?
MaxMD stands out in its industry for several reasons. The company’s commitment to the principle of “the best idea wins” fosters an environment of innovation and creativity. Leveraging Health Information Technology (HIT) Standards effectively has been key to its success, enabling compliant solutions that set it apart in the market. MaxMD views standardization not as a limitation but as a catalyst for differentiation and growth, particularly in meeting the compliance requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act.
Furthermore, MaxMD boasts a diverse team of healthcare professionals with varied expertise and a shared dedication to advancing clinical data liquidity in the complex healthcare landscape. By bringing together individuals with backgrounds in standards development, insurance, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and clinical care, the company ensures a holistic approach to problem-solving. The team’s focus on leveraging standards and scalability underscores MaxMD’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
What are the products and services the company focuses on?
MaxMD’s focus on leveraging HIT standards to drive innovation sets it apart from competitors in the industry. Embracing the principle of “best idea wins,” the company excels in developing compliant solutions that not only meet but exceed the requirements of regulations like the 21st Century Cures Act. Rather than viewing standardization as a limitation, MaxMD sees it as a catalyst for innovation and differentiation, enabling the creation of technology that stands out in the market.
With a diverse team of healthcare professionals boasting expertise in standards development, insurance, EHR systems, and clinical care, MaxMD is uniquely positioned to address the challenges of the fragmented healthcare ecosystem. This multidisciplinary approach, combined with a commitment to scalability and affordability, drives the company’s mission to facilitate clinical data liquidity. By bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds and fostering a culture of creative problem-solving, MaxMD delivers solutions that harness the power of standards and drive meaningful impact in healthcare.
Is there any new addition to the list of your products and services?
MaxMD has introduced innovative solutions to meet the requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act, offering lightweight data transportation and transformation capabilities tailored to the needs of payer organizations. With customizable rule sets and real-time data delivery, these solutions streamline workflows and enhance interoperability across the care ecosystem, ensuring timely access to.
One particularly exciting addition is the MaxMD Patient App, which has received CMS Blue Button 2.0 Approval and complies with CARIN Consumer-Directed Payer Data Exchange standards. This mobile application, available for both Android and iOS devices, enables secure bidirectional communication between payers, providers, and patients. It supports consumer-directed exchange with query and push capabilities, providing users with access to Explanation of Benefits information and facilitating seamless interaction with certified EHRs and other FHIR-enabled systems.
