Third-party vendors outperforming EMRs in meeting ACO needs

Third-party accountable care organization (ACO) vendors are outperforming EMR vendors in meeting the demands of physician-led ACOS, according to a report from Utah-based KLAS Research.

The research firm interviewed 46 physician-led ACOs about their software with a focus on product usage, performance and products’ ability to meet certain ACO needs. About two-thirds of respondents said they use a third-party vendor rather than an EMR vendor.

“With very few exceptions, EMRs are not meeting all ACO needs, causing many third-party products to be invited to the ACO discussion,” said report author Erik Bermudez, who serves as the research director at KLAS. “As we look at where healthcare is headed and the rapid growth in the number of physician-led ACOs, we see that this area will only increase in importance. We want to put a spotlight on the enabling technology within these ACOs.”

Access the report here.