ACOs tech needs go beyond EHRs

Many organizations believed an electronic health record was the only application needed to participate in accountable care organizations but have learned that multiple tools are necessary, according to an article on the Health Data Management website.

A new report from research firm IDC Health Insights said other foundational applications are needed, including computerized physician order entry (CPOE), admission/discharge/transfer, billing, practice management, enrollment and care management systems.

“Health information exchange technology is required to harmonize and normalize data from disparate systems, such as EMRs, claims, laboratory and pharmacy, and present that assimilated data on demand within various interrelated applications," the report said.

According to the article, the  new data driven workflows will manage tasks, create care plans and schedule appointments and reminders; and patient engagement tools will move beyond portals to texting and additional channels.

Read the article.