Value-Based Care: Tech Needs for Post-Acute Providers | CMS
- Teh Post-acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) is pushing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to prioritize interoperable health information technology (health IT) to address...
- In a letter to CMS, PALTmed highlighted the growing clinician shortage and how improved access to health IT could alleviate the strain.
- "To maintain continuity of care and reduce avoidable hospitalizations, clinicians must be empowered with digital tools that enable them to manage patients across settings efficiently," PALTmed wrote.
PALTmed is urging CMS to champion interoperable health information technology (health IT) to revolutionize post-acute adn long-term care. The association underscores the critical need for digital tools to combat clinician shortages and enhance patient care continuity.they also address the challenges faced in rural communities,advocating for broadband expansion to ensure equitable access to electronic health records (ehrs) and telehealth. Increased health IT adoption can have a huge impact. This push for improved technology seeks to break down silos and support value-based care. News Directory 3 recognizes the importance of these advancements.PALTmed implores CMS to fund initiatives and include stakeholders in developing interoperability standards. Discover what’s next for the future of health IT!
PALTmed Urges CMS to Boost Health IT Adoption, Interoperability
Updated June 20, 2025
Teh Post-acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed) is pushing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to prioritize interoperable health information technology (health IT) to address critical needs in post-acute and long-term care facilities.
In a letter to CMS, PALTmed highlighted the growing clinician shortage and how improved access to health IT could alleviate the strain. The organization emphasized that digital tools are essential for clinicians to effectively manage patients across various care settings and maintain continuity.
“To maintain continuity of care and reduce avoidable hospitalizations, clinicians must be empowered with digital tools that enable them to manage patients across settings efficiently,” PALTmed wrote. “Interoperable, user-friendly systems can help offset workforce limitations by reducing administrative burdens, streamlining interaction and ensuring timely access to clinical data.”
PALTmed also addressed the unique challenges faced by providers in rural communities, where workforce shortages are compounded by inadequate broadband infrastructure. The lack of reliable connectivity hinders access to electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth services, and information exchange during care transitions, placing rural patients at risk.
The organization stressed that breaking down silos across the care continuum is vital for value-based care. This requires stronger health IT strategies and national interoperability goals. PALTmed is urging CMS to develop and fund targeted initiatives, prioritize broadband expansion, and support EHR functionality tailored to post-acute and long-term care settings.
Furthermore, PALTmed requested that CMS include post-acute and long-term care clinicians, leaders, and stakeholders in the development of interoperability standards and policy proposals. They also called for incentives to encourage infrastructure investment in skilled nursing facilities and other long-term care providers.
What’s next
PALTmed hopes CMS will act on its recommendations to improve health IT infrastructure and interoperability, ultimately leading to better patient care and outcomes in post-acute and long-term care settings.