The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology has published the first IT roadmap for accountable care organizations. Founded in 2004, this non-profit organization’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of health IT because widespread adoption can foster improvements in quality, safety, efficiency and access – key goals in today’s national dialog on health reform.
The new roadmap specifically for accountable care organizations takes into account:
- Changing reimbursement policies – both public and private – are encouraging greater accountability for cost, quality, and patient focused care.
- Over 450 providers groups are now in some form of financial risk arrangement.
- Many of these provider groups are unclear about what health IT they will need.
The ACO HIT Framework, available here, was developed by Commission members and a blue ribbon advisory panel. It is designed as a starting point for provider groups developing HIT roadmaps, for payers looking to assess or complement the HIT capabilities of their provider partners, and for HIT developers designing products to fill gaps in currently available technology.
NCMS member Grace Terrell, MD, MMM, President and CEO of Cornerstone Health Care in High Point, NC is a Certification Commission for Health Information Technology trustee.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Ashley Moses at 312-558-1770 or [email protected].
