The organizations you mentioned have different roles and objectives within the healthcare industry. While there may be some overlapping goals among them, it's important to note that each organization serves a specific purpose. Here is a brief overview of some common goals or areas of focus for each organization:
1. ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology): The ONC is a U.S. government agency responsible for coordinating and promoting the adoption of health information technology (HIT) and electronic health records (EHRs) nationwide. Its goals include advancing interoperability, promoting health information exchange, and improving the overall quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
2. NHIN (National Health Information Network): The NHIN is an initiative aimed at establishing a secure and interoperable nationwide health information exchange infrastructure. Its goal is to enable the secure exchange of health information among different healthcare organizations, ensuring that patient data can be shared and accessed when needed.
3. RHIOs (Regional Health Information Organizations): RHIOs are regional entities that facilitate health information exchange within a specific geographic area. Their goals include promoting interoperability, coordinating data sharing among healthcare providers, and improving care coordination and patient outcomes within the region.
4. HIEs (Health Information Exchanges): HIEs are organizations or networks that enable the electronic sharing of health information among healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, and other authorized entities. Their goals include improving care coordination, reducing duplication of tests and procedures, and enhancing patient outcomes through the secure exchange of health data.
5. SNOs (Statewide Health Information Networks): SNOs are similar to RHIOs but operate at the state level. They aim to promote health information exchange and interoperability within a specific state, facilitating secure data sharing among healthcare providers and organizations statewide.
6. RECs (Regional Extension Centers): RECs were established as part of the U.S. government's Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. Their goals include assisting healthcare providers, particularly in underserved areas, with the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) to improve patient care and health outcomes.
7. ACOs (Accountable Care Organizations): ACOs are groups of healthcare providers, including hospitals, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, who voluntarily collaborate to provide coordinated and accountable care to a defined patient population. The primary goal of ACOs is to improve quality of care, enhance patient experience, and reduce healthcare costs.
8. CCHIT (Certification Commission for Health Information Technology): CCHIT is an independent, nonprofit organization that has historically been responsible for certifying electronic health record (EHR) systems and health IT products. Its goal is to ensure that EHRs and health IT systems meet certain standards of interoperability, security, and functionality.
While these organizations have distinct roles and objectives, some common goals among them include promoting interoperability, facilitating health information exchange, improving care coordination, enhancing patient outcomes, and advancing the use of health information technology to support quality healthcare delivery.