CMS' new investment model will help ACOs with health IT

On Wednesday, CMS announced a new initiative intended to help Medicare accountable care organizations in rural and underserved areas improve access to care, quality and care coordination via health IT, Healthcare IT News reports. The announcement comes shortly after a joint survey by Premier and the eHealth Initiative found that many ACOs are struggling with interoperability and implementing advanced health IT functions, according to Health Data Management. The new ACO Investment Model is for organizations participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Through the model, CMS will invest up to $114 million in infrastructure and redesigned care processes at up to 75 MSSP participants. The goal is to increase the number of Medicare beneficiaries who can participate in Medicare ACOs.