CMS' Andy Slavitt: 3 thoughts on health IT in rural health

In remarks at the National Rural Health Association, CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt discussed the federal government's overall strategy for how health IT fits into the healthcare agenda as well as the country's agenda to expand IT into rural America.

"It will take a concerted and proactive effort on our part — like everyone's — to help make the kind of progress in rural healthcare that we think is so vital," Mr. Slavitt said.

Here are three thoughts and highlights from his speech.

1. CMS will establish a Rural Health Council to oversee the agency's work in priority areas: improving healthcare access to Americans in rural settings, supporting the unique economics of healthcare in rural America, and ensuring healthcare innovation fits rural healthcare markets.

2. Mr. Slavitt said innovation is essential to rural healthcare strategy, and CMS is customizing models for rural markets. For example, the Medicaid State Innovation Model Grants seek to provide technical support for smaller hospitals and allow flexibilities in care delivery. Telemedicine delivery is also a priority for CMS to deliver care "where appropriate," he said.

3. "The bottom line…is we are investing and must continue to invest in rural America because we believe those investments ca pay off for our beneficiaries and are necessary to sustain an equitable system," Mr. Slavitt said.

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