Several health systems are voicing support for a new federal initiative to improve data exchange and expand access to digital health tools, following a July 30 White House summit that formalized a public-private partnership aimed at building a more connected health ecosystem.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, alongside the Department of Health and Human Services, convened more than 60 organizations — including EHR vendors, technology firms and provider networks — to sign onto the CMS Interoperability Framework. Eleven health systems, including Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health, Renton, Wash.-based Providence, Cleveland Clinic, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Health, Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health and Atlantic City, N.J.-based AtlantiCare, committed to promoting adoption of digital tools among their patients.
The announcement builds on a broader CMS vision to streamline the secure flow of health data across systems and settings. Health system leaders who attended the event said the effort marks a critical turning point for national data sharing.
“Today’s announcement by CMS to create a Digital Health Ecosystem is a bold new vision built on our shared goal to improve the patient experience,” Bon Secours Mercy Health CEO John Starcher told Becker’s in an emailed statement. “This marks an important milestone as we explore ways and collaborate with other national partners to open doors for consumers through enhanced technology and tech-enabled solutions.”
Dan Liljenquist, chief strategy officer at Intermountain Health, said the framework represents a major step toward improved coordination of care.
“Intermountain Health is fully supportive of CMS’ initiative to make healthcare data truly interoperable,” Mr. Liljenquist told Becker’s. “This effort will greatly benefit patients by allowing healthcare providers to seamlessly share information and coordinate care delivery. We applaud Dr. Oz, Amy Gleason, and the CMS team for bringing this initiative to life.”
At Sanford Health, the pledge carries personal significance for frontline clinicians.
“Just days ago, I saw a cancer patient who had moved from California, and I had no access to their medical history,” David Newman, MD, chief medical officer for virtual care at Sanford Health, told Becker’s. “This initiative means patients will no longer have to start from scratch. They’ll be able to carry their records with them securely and easily — and that’s transformative for both patients and providers.”
Cleveland Clinic emphasized that interoperability is essential to coordinated care and better outcomes.
“We believe that seamless data exchange empowers both providers and patients, driving better healthcare outcomes across the country,” the organization said in a media statement sent to Becker’s. “By breaking down barriers to information sharing, we enable our teams to deliver coordinated, high-quality care at every stage of the patient’s journey.”
Cherodeep Goswami, chief information and digital officer at Providence, said the pledge is closely aligned with the health system’s 2030 strategic vision, which technology plays a critical role.
“At Providence, we strive to deliver high-quality, compassionate care, which drives every strategic decision we make, including our commitment to this pledge,” Mr. Goswami told Becker’s. “Joining this initiative reflects our belief that digital transformation must be purpose-driven, equitable, and centered on improving access and experience for both patients and caregivers.
Jordan Ruch, CIO of AtlantiCare, said the summit highlighted how aligned public and private stakeholders are on the need for modernization.
“We are deeply honored to be one of only 11 health systems and providers invited to the White House,” Mr. Ruch told Becker’s. “Our partnership with Oracle to streamline and enhance patient care through innovative technology aligns seamlessly with the CMS Interoperability Framework. We are committed to leading this transformation nationally, ensuring better outcomes for our patients and communities in South Jersey and beyond.”
CMS said it plans to roll out the first phase of its interoperability framework — allowing patients to access claims data from participating provider networks — in early 2026. Future components include AI-powered care navigation tools, upgrades to Medicare Plan Finder and a digital health app library.
CMS officials said the framework was shaped by more than 1,300 public comments submitted earlier this year in response to a request for information.
