Dive Brief:
- HHS announced last week it is awarding more than $36 million in funding to 50 Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs) located in 41 states and Puerto Rico for health information technology (HIT) adoption.
- The additional HIT funding is expected to benefit more than 1,020 participating health centers located throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and supports the Federal Health Information Technology Strategic Plan.
- The ultimate goal in assisting HCCNs is to improve care access, quality, and cost efficiency, notably in medically underserved communities, HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said.
Dive Insight:
HCCNs work to promote information sharing and integrate services, with their efforts supporting participating health centers in meeting the requirements of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs and participating in the Federal Health Information Technology Strategic Plan.
“By using these networks, individual health centers can work together to share resources, leverage buying power, and improve access to health information technology, leading to a better care experience for vulnerable populations," Burwell said in a statement