Akron hospital system’s quality initiative combines claims, clinical records

Akron-based Summa Health Network is working with three insurers as part of a new initiative that uses both claims data and clinical records for quality analysis (Source: “Summa Health tightens its grip on data to promote better care,” Healthcare IT News, Jan. 5, 2009).

The hospital system will use special software that enables it and its insurers to compare claims-based data with clinical data. The hope is that incorporating clinical data will give physicians more actionable data for quality improvement.

Summa “understands that clinical data is more comprehensive, accurate, timely and therefore valuable to physicians and, ultimately, their patients," said Tim Roche, co-founder, president and CEO of MDdatacor, maker of the software being used by Summa. "By providing a consolidated view of patient information, MDdatacor and SHN are empowering physicians to promote quality healthcare for all their patients, a significant step in reducing healthcare costs."