Health Center Controlled Network - AllianceChicago (AC) is pleased to submit this application on behalf of the Partnership for Technology-Enabled transformation in Community Health (PTECH) Network to support 20 Participating Health Centers (PHCs) committed to improving data management and analytics, interoperability of systems and digital health tools, UDS+ implementation, and cybersecurity. AllianceChicago, one of the oldest and most respected HRSA-funded Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCN), has 28 years of experience in developing shared infrastructure for cutting-edge use of Electronic Health Records Systems (EHRS) and other Health Information Technology (HIT). AC links more than 70 CHCs across Illinois and 18 other states that reach more than 3.9 million highly diverse patients. Health Centers face both general and specific challenges and each PHC requires customized support for their specific needs. Challenges span all five objectives of our work plan and include the following: Data Management and Analytics, Interoperability and Data Sharing, UDS+ Implementation, Additional value-based care (VBC), and Strengthening Cybersecurity Support. The PTECH Project Work Plan is inspired by HRSA and designed with detailed input from PHCs, AC, and other stakeholders, and informed by our experience with other Health Center engagements as well as decades of experience designing and implementing Health Information Technology projects. The Project Work Plan addresses all required goals and objectives and is included for HRSA’s consideration and feedback for its structure and approach. An individualized work plan will be developed for each PHC within 90 days of award. At the beginning of the project, AC will conduct a site visit to review baseline, discuss general approaches, and tailor plans to the specific needs and priorities of each of the PHCs. Throughout its history as an HCCN, AC has focused on developing a set of capabilities to support adoption and the ongoing use of HIT. These capabilities have evolved from supporting early EHRS adoption and optimization, to encompass data analytics, population management, and consumer engagement technologies. The ever-changing HIT provides the tools and framework for practice transformation. These capabilities have enabled AC to support technology adoption by Health Centers and interface with Health Information Exchanges (HIE) including Immunization registries and other registries. AC’s data analytics platform, in conjunction with Health Choice Network, spans over 11 million patients. AllianceChicago is committed to continuing to lead the PTECH Project and support PHCs in optimally serving their patients, families and communities. AC will rely heavily on its established partnerships for a collaborative approach to regional and national healthcare delivery. AC has substantiated evaluation measures, resource capabilities, and governance structures in place to seamlessly continue the PTECH Project from 2025-2028 without disruption.
