ATA Launches Center of Digital Excellence to Drive Integration of Virtual Care Pathways

This new initiative aims to improve clinical workflows, patient engagement, and accessibility by fostering collaboration among leading U.S. health systems.

The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) recently launched its new ATA Center of Digital Excellence (CODE) to promote the integration of virtual care pathways within healthcare systems.

This new initiative aims to improve clinical workflows, patient engagement, and accessibility by fostering collaboration among leading US health systems.

The ATA's CODE initiative brings together several prominent healthcare organizations, including Intermountain Health, Mayo Clinic, MedStar Health, Ochsner Health, OSF HealthCare, Sanford Health, Stanford Health Care, UPMC, and West Virginia University Medicine Children’s Hospital. These institutions will collaborate to drive innovation in digital health tools, with the goal of enhancing patient-centered care and improving clinical and operational outcomes.

Elissa Baker, RN, Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy and Clinical Innovation at ATA, is leading the launch of CODE. She aims to help shape the future of digital care delivery by working closely with participating health systems. According to ATA, CODE will act as a "catalyst in reshaping the digital care delivery landscape."

Focus on Equitable Access

CODE's primary objective is to create and implement best practices for integrating digital care across the healthcare continuum.

The initiative will focus on improving accessibility and ensuring that digital health technologies are used effectively to address gaps in traditional care. As part of its efforts, CODE will publish resources, success stories, and best practices based on insights gathered from its members.

In a statement, ATA CEO Ann Mond Johnson emphasized the importance of digital care, noting, "Telehealth is not an either/or solution but a critical addition to in-person care, addressing gaps where traditional access is limited or unavailable. Through CODE, we are convening top health systems to establish models that seamlessly integrate digital care into broader care delivery approaches."

Virtual care companies Access TeleCare and AvaSure have also joined as founding sponsors of CODE, helping to advance product development and support the expansion of digital health services across different care settings.

As the center grows, it plans to expand its network, adding more health systems, clinical leaders, and IT companies into the initiative.

Expanding CODE’s Reach

As part of its strategy, CODE will host regular summits and events aimed at fostering further collaboration and sharing insights among healthcare providers.

The initiative is expected to add more healthcare organizations and digital health leaders to its fold, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable and effective models for digital care integration.

CODE will accept applications for membership on a rolling basis, with founding members reviewing and selecting applicants as new initiatives are identified. The ATA is also working to create a robust knowledge-sharing platform to assist its members in advancing their digital care capabilities.

The ATA’s broader advocacy efforts have recently included campaigns to extend telehealth flexibilities in US legislation. Kyle Zebley, Executive Director of ATA Action, emphasized the need for legislative action to ensure continued access to telehealth services.

"It is incumbent on Congress to do the right thing and pass legislation extending telehealth flexibilities for as long as possible. By acting in the best interest of patients and healthcare providers, Congress can swiftly address mounting ramifications that are already hindering care delivery," he said.