What types of organizations are most likely to partner with Stanford to expand and refine SCCMS?
Those already in the healthcare delivery field, principally publicly-supported or pre-paid health plans and hospitals that will benefit significantly from more efficient management of patients, including provision of alternatives to the ER, such as same-day clinics. Large healthcare providers that coordinate regional care for patients are also suitable. Private hospitals, including University-affiliated medical centers, are not generally disposed to adapt SCCMS because their revenue comes from providing ad hoc care to patients requiring ER evaluation. Disease management companies support the use of SCCMS, so long as they do not breech the existing doctor-patient relationship. However, these companies are often enthusiastic supporters of SCCMS once economic incentives are aligned through prepaid programs for cancer and other chronic conditions. Potential partners for SCCMS also include information technology firms concerned with developing interoperable medical records.
