American Telemedicine Association Launches Center of Digital Excellence (CODE)
What is CODE?
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) has announced its new Center of Digital Excellence (CODE), a collaborative initiative that will work with major U.S. health systems to integrate digital pathways across the care continuum.
Goals of CODE
CODE aims to drive the development and deployment of new best practices for patient-centered care, equitable access, and clinical and operational outcome improvements. The initiative seeks to advance leading-edge digital health tools and services to improve clinical workflows, engage more patients, and improve healthcare accessibility.
Founding Members
CODE comprises an alliance of leading health systems, including Intermountain Health, Mayo Clinic, MedStar Health, Ochsner Health, OSF HealthCare, Sanford Health, Stanford Health Care, UPMC, and West Virginia University Medicine Children’s Hospital. Virtual care companies Access TeleCare and AvaSure have also joined as founding sponsors.
Leadership
Elissa Baker, RN, ATA’s senior VP of digital strategy and clinical innovation, will lead CODE’s launch and engagement efforts going forward.
Objectives
CODE’s member organizations will compare insights and strategies, contributing to published workflows, success stories, and benchmarks that shape best practices and maturity models in digital care delivery. The center plans to host regular summits and events and publish an array of resources for members through ATA’s Member Connection starting in the spring.
Expansion
CODE plans to add more health systems, clinical leaders, and IT companies into the collaborative network. The center will be accepting applications on a rolling basis, with founding members reviewing and selecting applicants continuously as initiatives are identified.
The Larger Trend
The ATA has been busy recently, most notably with its efforts to help marshal industry-wide support to extend telehealth flexibilities in a legislative package before they expire at the end of the year.
On the Record
"Telehealth is not an either/or solution but a critical addition to in-person care, addressing gaps where traditional access is limited or unavailable," said ATA CEO Ann Mond Johnson. "With these renowned health systems, we are setting the standard for how innovation and technology can enhance, extend, and equalize access to high-quality healthcare for all."
Conclusion
The launch of CODE marks a significant step forward in the development of digital health technologies and their integration into broader care delivery approaches. As the center expands and gains momentum, it is likely to have a profound impact on the future of healthcare.
FAQs
Q: What is the Center of Digital Excellence (CODE)?
A: CODE is a collaborative initiative launched by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) to integrate digital pathways across the care continuum.
Q: What are the goals of CODE?
A: CODE aims to drive the development and deployment of new best practices for patient-centered care, equitable access, and clinical and operational outcome improvements.
Q: Who are the founding members of CODE?
A: The founding members of CODE include Intermountain Health, Mayo Clinic, MedStar Health, Ochsner Health, OSF HealthCare, Sanford Health, Stanford Health Care, UPMC, and West Virginia University Medicine Children’s Hospital.
Q: What is the role of Elissa Baker in CODE?
A: Elissa Baker, RN, will lead CODE’s launch and engagement efforts going forward as the senior VP of digital strategy and clinical innovation at ATA.
