Category: Announcements

Collaborating for Connected Care: Missouri Launches Phase 2 of eLTSS Project Powered by Velatura and Key Partners

Announcements, News

Velatura Public Benefit Corporation is proud to support the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD), in the statewide expansion of the Electronic Long-Term Services and Supports (eLTSS) project. This initiative, now in Phase 2, represents a national first: implementing real-time, standards-based sharing of person-centered care plan data for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across health and social care settings.

Earlier this month, Velatura joined state officials, Health Information Networks (HINs), providers, and technology partners in Missouri for the in-person Phase 2 kickoff. Our involvement in this project reflects our continued leadership in health information exchange, interoperability, and strategic implementation of nationally recognized standards like HL7® FHIR®.

A Scalable, Standards-Based Approach to Connected Care

eLTSS is powered by the FHIR Implementation Guide and designed to integrate person-centered care plan data from Missouri’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) across home- and community-based services (HCBS), acute, emergent, and primary care settings. This approach ensures that all members of an individual’s care team can access actionable, up-to-date information—improving coordination, quality, and outcomes.

Velatura is working alongside Tiger Institute for Health Innovation, Lewis & Clark Information Exchange, and KONZA National Network to operationalize this vision through Missouri’s HIE ecosystem. Our role includes supporting the technical infrastructure required for seamless FHIR-based API connections, ensuring privacy and security standards are met, and enabling interoperability across provider organizations.

Delivering Results Through Public-Private Collaboration

This project is more than a technical implementation. It’s a mission-driven effort to address long-standing fragmentation in the healthcare and social services landscape. Individuals with IDD frequently receive care from a range of providers operating on disconnected systems. eLTSS bridges that gap, equipping providers with timely, relevant data that supports better, more coordinated care.

The Phase 2 launch builds on early success and stakeholder engagement. Key goals include:

  • Making eLTSS data accessible and actionable across the full care team.
  • Improving care coordination for over 15,000 individuals with IDD receiving services through DMH-DD.
  • Enhancing data quality and usability using nationally recognized data exchange standards.
  • Ensuring scalability and sustainability by aligning with federal and state interoperability policies.

This collaborative model, powered by partnership among government agencies, HINs, providers, and technology partners, sets a replicable precedent for other states pursuing FHIR-based solutions to social and clinical care integration.

 

Leading with Experience and Innovation

Velatura brings decades of implementation experience, health IT expertise, and policy insight to projects like eLTSS. As one of the four core HINs engaged in Missouri’s rollout, we’re not just implementing infrastructure—we’re shaping the strategy, defining success metrics, and helping the state and its partners build trust in the data-sharing process.

We understand that success means more than going live. It means providers actively using data to improve outcomes, overcoming adoption barriers, and creating a solution that’s built to last.

 

Setting the Standard for What’s Next

The eLTSS initiative is funded in part by a CMS HCBS enhanced FMAP grant, with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Leading Edge Acceleration Project in Health IT. As the first statewide implementation of the eLTSS FHIR IG, it positions both Missouri and Velatura as national leaders in delivering person-centered, interoperable care.

We are proud to be on the ground for this important work and look forward to continuing to drive innovation and impact through collaborative, standards-based health information exchange. As Phase 2 gets underway, we remain committed to supporting the individuals, providers, and partners who make connected care a reality.

Learn more about Missouri’s eLTSS initiative here:https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/eltss

Velatura HIE Corporation Announces Hire of Noelle Parker

Announcements, Press Releases, Velatura HIE

Velatura HIE Corporation Announces Hire of Noelle Parker
Parker is focused in enhancing customer experience, meeting industry demands

Jefferson City, MO – Velatura HIE Corporation (Velatura), a not-for-profit organization offering affiliation, collaboration, and integration opportunities to health information exchanges (HIEs) across the country, today announced the appointment of Noelle Parker, MBA, CMPE, PCMH-CCE as Vice President of Client Affairs for its Midwest division.

Parker brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare consulting, quality improvement, operational excellence, and value-based care to her new role.

“I am honored to join Velatura HIE Corporation at such a pivotal time in the evolution of health information exchange and interoperability,” said Parker. “Throughout my career, my focus has been on demonstrating the value of solutions and products that reduce fragmentation across the healthcare ecosystem in order to improve whole-person care. I look forward to working alongside our stakeholders to enhance the customer experience and meet the multifaceted demands of technological change and regulatory requirements as the industry evolves.”

In her previous role as Senior Consultant at Community Asset Builders, LLC, Parker worked with rural health clinics in Missouri on achieving Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition, data analytics, quality improvement strategies, and population health management. Prior to that, she was the Missouri Quality Improvement Network (MOQuIN) Manager at the Missouri Primary Care Association, where she led a team that provided support and technical assistance to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) on a variety of quality improvement initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Noelle to Velatura as Vice President of Client Affairs,” said Marty Woodruff, Chief Commercial Officer at Velatura HIE Corporation. “She has a wealth of experience in interoperability and data governance, but her true skill lies in her solutions-focused approach and expertise in building and managing relationships. She is poised to help Velatura usher in the next generation of health information exchange and will play a critical role in helping our clients thrive in today’s fast-paced, competitive and ever-changing HIE landscape.”

At Velatura, Parker will be responsible for sales and relationship management across the Midwest region, as well as the development and execution of strategic direction and coordination of business development. She will also work to ensure that Velatura’s HIE services meet the highest quality standards and support the company’s mission of advancing the health of the communities it serves.

Parker holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Westfield State University. She is also certified as a Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and as a NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home Certified Content Expert (PCMH-CCE).

 

###

About Velatura HIE Corporation
Velatura HIE Corporation is a not-for-profit organization offering affiliation, collaboration, and integration opportunities to health information exchanges (HIEs) across the country. VHIE Corp. is backed by more than a decade of experience and deep acumen in all aspects of clinical information interoperability. Additionally, VHIE Corp.’s service offerings draw on the proficiencies and innovation in research and development. For more information on how Velatura HIE can elevate your health information exchange efforts to the next level, visit our website at wwww.velatura.org.

Velatura HIE Corporation and Premier Health Network Announce Launch of CareConvene in Georgia

Announcements, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2023

 

Velatura HIE Corporation and Premier Health Network Announce Launch of CareConvene in Georgia
Transition of care workflow improves care coordination, reduces inefficiencies via real-time insights

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Velatura HIE Corporation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of affiliated regional health information exchanges transforming patient care and public health through the interoperable exchange of critical information, and Premier Health Network, a physician owned clinically integrated health network of 523 providers, today announced the launch of CareConvene in the Georgia market, a critical milestone for the improvement of value-based care delivery in the region.

CareConvene is a revolutionary transition of care workflow platform offered by Velatura HIE Corporation designed to improve clinical capabilities, reduce unnecessary inpatient hospitalization and eliminate avoidable hospital readmission. The platform aids clinicians in the delivery of real-time delivery hospital notifications and provides novel digital tools to establish a 48-hour post discharge patient interaction.

“Healthcare providers are grappling with delayed information and data overload while simultaneously trying to keep up with increased patient demand and ensure the proper and seamless continuity of care,” said Tara Cramer, Senior Vice President of Regional Growth of Velatura HIE Corporation. “The comprehensive datasets we exchange enable CareConvene to equip providers with real-time actionable insights directly into their clinical workflows, addressing potential gaps in care and pinpointing who could benefit from follow up and transitions of care support.”

CareConvene’s clinician-centered design integrates real time admission, discharge and transfer (ADT) notifications. When an ADT event occurs, providers and care teams receive SMS notifications based on specific delivery criteria. They can then filter their patient population using customized attributes to exclude irrelevant ADTs, optimizing patient outreach workflow and efficiency. The platform supports the successful completion of the CMS TRC measure, specifically the 48-hour post-discharge interaction, by employing a secure and innovative digital engagement method for patients who are unresponsive to phone calls or voicemails.

“By aggregating and organizing patient data from various types of stakeholders connected to the HIE, CareConvene connects care teams and their patients anytime, anywhere,” said Todd Bailey, Chief Operating Officer of CareConvene. “CareConvene’s platform removes historic barriers to effective communication and empowers healthcare providers with the intelligence and analytics needed to properly coordinate care across the spectrum to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently, resulting in fewer avoidable readmissions and better post-acute care.”

Through enhanced care collaboration and real-time intelligence sharing, CareConvene’s Transition of Care process helps identify gaps in care, reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and avoidable readmissions, and supports medication reconciliation, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Transition of Care (TRC) measures, CMS Star Ratings and Healthcare Effective Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) technical specifications.

“Premier Health is constantly striving to improve health outcomes, enhance the overall care experience for patients and providers alike, and reduce the need for costly and unnecessary readmissions,” said Geoffrey Mitton, MHA, Executive Director of Premier Health Network. “CareConvene is built for efficiency and interoperability. It eliminates dangerous and costly blind spots by allowing providers to remain actively engaged in patient care following discharge. Thanks to CareConvene, we are able to enhance coordination of care across the entire ecosystem and support the safe movement of people from the hospital back into the home.”

For additional information on how you can implement CareConvene in your practice, please visit careconvene.com or reach out to [email protected]. Executive team members and subject matter experts are available for interviews upon request.

###

About CareConvene
CareConvene is a comprehensive digital health platform that connects patients and providers on-demand anywhere through text and video. Our technology allows providers, payers, and patients access to one personal health record for in-the-moment care coordination, education, to-dos, and direct communication that better manages health, reduces waste, and saves time. https://careconvene.com/

About Premier Health Network
Premier Health Network (PHN) is a physician owned clinically integrated health network of 523 providers including 9 ancillary facilities serving the Central Savannah River Area and surrounding counties. PHN was licensed as a corporation in 1993 under the name University Physicians Associates. PHN changed its name in January 2021 to reflect its mission as a completely independent practice organization focused solely on helping its physician practices and outpatient facilities succeed in the changing value-based care environment. It offers a multitude of important services to its provider members as listed below which in turn helps better serve the CSRA community. https://premierhn.net/

About Velatura HIE Corporation

Velatura HIE Corporation is a not-for-profit organization offering affiliation, collaboration, and integration opportunities to health information exchanges (HIEs) across the country. VHIE Corp. is backed by more than a decade of experience and deep acumen in all aspects of clinical information interoperability. Additionally, VHIE Corp.’s service offerings draw on the proficiencies and innovation in research and development. For more information on how Velatura HIE can elevate your health information exchange efforts to the next level, visit our website at wwww.velatura.org

 

Angie Bass Named Healthcare IT Trailblazer of the Year

Announcements, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For additional information, contact:

Emily Mata | Director of Public Relations & Brand Strategy

517.745.8835 |[email protected]

 

Angie Bass Named Healthcare IT Trailblazer of the Year

Bass recognized for her exemplary leadership, contributions to the field of health IT

CHICAGO – Angie Bass, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Velatura HIE Corporation (Velatura), has been awarded the prestigious Healthcare IT Trailblazer of the Year Award at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) 2023 Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

This award, presented by Medigy and the Healthcare and IT Marketing Community (HITMC), recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship, and innovative contributions to the healthcare and health IT industry.

Bass has dedicated her career to improving the interoperable exchange of health information, from her leadership in the development of the Midwest Health Connection (MHC), one of the nation’s largest health information exchanges, to her relentless advocacy for the evolution from health information exchange to health data utility (HDU) — a critical next step for our nation’s healthcare infrastructure.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Healthcare IT Trailblazer award,” said Bass. “I have spent nearly two decades working to improve the statewide exchange of electronic health information, allowing doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care providers to appropriately access and securely share a patient’s vital medical information electronically – improving the speed, quality, and safety of patient care. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this important work, and I am inspired by the unparalleled potential for progress as we continue the evolution from HIE to HDU.”

Bass’ vision, dedication, and leadership have made a significant impact in the industry. She was appointed CEO of MHC in 2016, becoming one of the youngest in the U.S. in the field of Health Information Exchange Technology. In that role, her advocacy and partnerships secured $10M in funding for corporate infrastructure costs and drafted legislation to create the Health Information Exchange for Missouri, which passed the House of Representatives unanimously. Continuing to build upon that framework, Bass was instrumental in securing a historic $50M investment in Missouri’s health data infrastructure in 2022, which included the creation of an HDU in the state.

As the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Velatura, Bass has successfully consolidated HIEs, community-based organizations, and health information networks to achieve national economies of scale while maintaining localized stakeholder alignment, resulting in cost reductions and new growth opportunities members.

“This recognition is a testament to Angie’s hard work and unwavering commitment to improving interoperability across the care continuum,” said Dr. Tim Pletcher, President and CEO of Velatura. “Angie’s exceptional leadership, expertise in health policy and health administration, and strategic insights have not only positioned her as an expert in the field but have contributed to shaping the future of healthcare. We are grateful to have her on our team and congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.”

In addition to leading Velatura, Bass has also been an active mentor and leader in the health IT community. She established an intern program that allowed women and minorities at the University of Missouri – School of Public Health, to work alongside MHC staff to gain real-world experience. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the HIE Trade Association and CIVITAS Networks for Health. Additionally, she was selected for Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Emerging Leaders Award in recognition of her leadership in healthcare and health interoperability achievements.

“The HITMC Healthcare IT Trailblazer Award recognizes pioneers forging a path for the healthcare industry to follow,” said Colin Hung, HITMC Community Manager. “We are proud to honor Angie for her continued contributions to the field and look forward to what she will do next.”

For a full list of Winners and Honorees for the 2023 Medigy HITMC Awards, please visit the official awards page.

 

###

 

About Velatura HIE Corporation

Velatura HIE Corporation is a not-for-profit organization offering affiliation, collaboration, and integration opportunities to health information exchanges (HIEs) across the country. VHIE Corp. is backed by more than a decade of experience and deep acumen in all aspects of clinical information interoperability. Additionally, VHIE Corp.’s service offerings draw on the proficiencies and innovation in research and development. For more information on how Velatura HIE can elevate your health information exchange efforts to the next level, visit our website at www.velatura.org.

Angie Bass, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Velatura, Elected to Serve on Civitas Networks for Health 2023 Board of Directors

Announcements, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For additional information, contact:
Emily Mata | Communications Manager
517.745.8835 | [email protected]

Angie Bass, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Velatura, Elected to Serve on Civitas Networks for Health 2023 Board of Directors

Twelve innovative healthcare leaders from both the public, private sector have been elected

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  This week during its monthly all-member meeting, Civitas Networks for Health (Civitas) announced its newly-elected slate of 2023 Board members, including Velatura’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Angie Bass, MHA.

“I am honored and humbled to serve alongside such an outstanding group of dedicated industry leaders on the 2023 Civitas Board of Directors,” said Bass. “I am even more grateful for the opportunity to represent the collective voice of the entire Civitas membership – which together represents more than 95% of the United States – and do so with an unwavering belief in the momentum we have generated by increasing the exchange of valuable resources, tools, and ideas. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members to shape the future of the national network by amplifying the voices of member organizations, leveraging actionable data to foster continued innovation, and facilitating the evolution of health information exchange.” … Learn more>

Civitas Networks for Health Selects Velatura Public Benefit Corporation as a Technology Solution Partner for the Patient Centered Data Home® Initiative

Announcements, Press Releases

For additional information, contact:

Velatura Public Benefit Corporation
Emily Mata | 517.745.8835
[email protected]

Civitas Networks for Health
Jolie Ritzo | 207.491.9979
[email protected]

August 22, 2022

Civitas Networks for Health Selects Velatura Public Benefit Corporation as a Technology Solution Partner for the Patient Centered Data Home® Initiative

Newly formed partnership elevates the role of HIEs in interstate data exchange, creates new opportunities for national exchange

SAN ANTONIO, Texas— At its annual conference, Civitas Networks for Health (Civitas) and the Patient Centered Data Home® (PCDH) Governance Council today announced that they have identified Velatura Public Benefit Corporation (Velatura) as the national technology Solution Partner to support a consolidated national PCDH initiative, after a robust evaluation process in the first half of this year. PCDH is a major collaboration of 45+ health information exchanges delivering critical alerts to providers for millions of clinical encounters each month. The continued growth of PCDH will further advance important regional and nationwide interoperability progress. Building on the initiative’s success to date, the Civitas and PCDH Governance Council engagement with Velatura will further PCDH goals to ensure that the robust data exchange among Civitas members continues to close the loop on care when a patient is seen outside their normal care area.

“Civitas and the PCDH Governance Council are committed to collaboration and to positioning all Civitas members for future success,” said Lisa Bari, CEO of Civitas. “After careful consideration, we have identified Velatura to deploy a new centralized technology platform for the national PCDH network. Velatura brings longstanding commitment to PCDH and the HIE space alongside technology and boots-on-the-ground experience. We believe their cloud-native technology platform will enable us to transition current functionality swiftly while positioning ourselves for emerging market opportunities, all while honoring the critical role HIEs play in linking existing communities of trust and preserving local governance.”… Learn more>

 

Velatura Services Selected for Amazon Web Services (AWS) Health Equity Initiative

Announcements, Press Releases, Velatura Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2022

For additional information, contact:
Emily Mata | Marketing & Communications Manager
517.745.8835 | [email protected]

Velatura Services Selected for Amazon Web Services (AWS) Health Equity Initiative

Participation in the initiative will enhance Velatura’s efforts to provide essential data management infrastructure, advance data exchange, improve well-being, and reduce disparities

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  – Velatura Services (Velatura) today announced that it has been selected as part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Health Equity Initiative, a $40 million, three-year commitment supporting organizations that are developing solutions to advance health equity.

Through the initiative, AWS offers computing credits and customized technical expertise to selected organizations around the world that want to use AWS services to improve health outcomes and health equity in any of the following areas: 1) increasing access to health services for underserved communities; 2) addressing social determinants of health; and 3) leveraging data to promote more equitable and inclusive systems of care. AWS credits and technical expertise will further support Velatura’s mission to help both public and private sector organizations streamline and scale the secure exchange of clinical, administrative, and person-level data across organizational boundaries and local communities… Learn more>

 

Velatura HIE Corporation names Tara Broxton Cramer as Senior Vice President for Regional Growth and Data Innovations

Announcements, Press Releases, Velatura HIE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For additional information, contact:
Emily Mata | Communications Manager
517.745.8835 |[email protected]

Velatura HIE Corporation names Tara Broxton Cramer as Senior Vice President for Regional Growth and Data Innovations

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Tara Broxton Cramer has joined the Velatura HIE Corporation (Velatura) as Senior Vice President for Regional Growth and Data Innovations, where she will orchestrate Velatura’s business development, community engagement and strategy for growth throughout the United States.

In this role, Cramer is responsible for ensuring Velatura meets the needs of clients by engaging with a variety of stakeholders, such as providers, medical centers, government officials, and potential business partners, as well as cultivating the health delivery arm of major academic medical centers across the nation and supporting the operationalization of clinical research activities. She will also look to expand existing partnerships and spearhead efforts to gain new clients… Learn more>

Velatura HIE Corporation announces newest affiliation adding Georgia Regional Academic Community Health Information Exchange

Announcements, Press Releases, Velatura HIE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For additional information, contact:
Emily Mata | Communications Manager
517.745.8835 | [email protected]

Velatura HIE Corporation announces newest affiliation adding Georgia Regional Academic Community Health Information Exchange

New consolidated HIE organization is one of the largest of its kind in the United States

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Velatura HIE Corporation (Velatura), today announced that Georgia Regional Academic Community Health Information Exchange (GRAChIE) have signed an agreement to affiliate and integrate into Velatura effective January 1, 2022.

Velatura is a not-for-profit subsidiary of Velatura Public Benefit Corporation that offers affiliation and integration opportunities to health information exchanges (HIEs) and other health care providers and stakeholders across the country. It is one of the largest of its type in the country, connecting more than 500+ healthcare organizations. GRAChIE serves healthcare providers in Georgia, bringing health information from one healthcare professional to another seamlessly connecting health information.

“We are thrilled to integrate GRAChIE into Velatura HIE Corporation,” said Angie Bass, Executive Vice President of Velatura HIE Corporation. “Velatura serves as a health data utility and data exchange for public and private health care stakeholders. Adding GRAChIE to our HIE network will enhance our ability to provide meaningful services and transformative advancements to improve public health and increase interoperability across the nation. GRAChIE shares the same zeal for and commitment to health data interoperability and we are excited to see the growth and transformations that we will do together.” … Learn more>

Dr. Khan J. Nedd Joins Velatura Board of Directors

Announcements, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information, contact:

Emily Mata| Communications Manager
517.745.8835| [email protected]

Dr. Khan J. Nedd Joins Velatura Board of Directors

Bringing a wealth of knowledge in healthcare diversity and innovation to improve health information technology nationally

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Dr. Khan J. Nedd has joined the Velatura Public Benefit Corporation’s (Velatura) Board of Directors. Dr. Nedd is an internal medicine physician, community leader, entrepreneur, and researcher. He currently serves as the CEO of Answer Health (AH) and the founder and CMO of Infusion Associates. Dr. Nedd received his M.D. degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and brings decades of experience leading innovative and diverse healthcare teams across the state of Michigan.

Dr. Nedd is renowned for his work addressing healthcare disparities and diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. A founder of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI), he continues to advise the Michigan organization that works to address healthcare disparities utilizing a three-pronged approach of education, research and advocacy.

“We are delighted to have Dr. Nedd join the board of directors,” said Tim Pletcher, DHA, President and CEO of Velatura. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience improving health care equity and I have no doubt that his appointment to the Velatura Board of Directors will be a perfect alignment to continue innovation and improving healthcare outcomes.” … Learn more>