Today's CIO: catalyst for managed care change

As the impact of managed care increases and capitation becomes all pervasive, healthcare providers' attention to cost control will intensify. For integrated delivery networks (IDNs) to be competitive, today's CIO must leverage managed care as a catalyst for change, and use a sophisticated information system toolset as the means to an integrated end. An area many CIOs target for fast results and maximum cost savings in resource management. This article reviews how Dick Escue, chief information officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation (Memphis, TN), uses electronic information management systems to integrate and conserve the resources of Baptist's widespread healthcare organization.