Health Care Management and Coordination System (HCMACS)

What is HCMACS?

HCMACS is an enterprise electronic health records (EHR) solution that will support Washington residents who receive state health care benefits and services from participating agencies. The HCMACS enterprise EHR solution includes shared governance, data, resources, and common workflows to maximize impact and efficiencies.

The solution aims to improve health care coordination between providers and provide high-quality, affordable care. It will transform the delivery of state health care services provided by behavioral health providers, tribal health partners, correctional facilities, and Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS) hospitals across Washington.

Benefits to state health care recipients

The system supports the state’s goal for seamless services for Washingtonians by leveraging enterprise and shared solutions to use data more effectively across agencies. The choice of technology and approaches will support the authorized exchange of data with existing private medical facilities for care coordination. An effective solution will promote population health, improve patient and clinician experience, and reduce overall costs in the health care system.

• Better care coordination. A unified health care management and coordination system will allow health care providers to have real-time access to patient information, enabling them to make informed decisions and provide timely care.
• Improved patient outcomes. Streamlined data-sharing between agencies will reduce redundancies and ensure patients receive consistent and comprehensive care, leading to better health outcomes.
• Enhanced accessibility. The new system will make it easier for patients to access their health records, improve their ability to manage their own health, and communicate with health care providers.
• Personalized care. HCMACS will allow for more personalized and efficient care management, ensuring individuals receive the right care at the right time.
• Better use of public dollars. HCMACS will use shared technology, business processes, and data across multiple state agencies and health care facilities to increase the efficiency of state services.

Timeline

Planning and implementation efforts for the system is under way. The HHS Coalition intends to complete the foundational work and secure a system implementor by the end of 2025. The goal is to begin onboarding system users in waves during the first quarter of 2026. 

Partners

The HCMACS enterprise EHR solution is a collaboration between multiple Washington State agencies. Each agency has their own work associated with the program and will configure the system to meet the needs of those who use their services.

Health Care Authority (HCA)

The HCMACS enterprise EHR solution will improve care coordination for Apple Health (Medicaid) clients by sharing information among those providing care and case management.

The interoperability and integration functions will allow data to be shared with Apple Health providers, patients, clients, and health data source systems, furthering the ability to coordinate care. The system will enable the reuse of data for enhanced reporting and data analytics and will provide essential information to understand, analyze, and improve care, particularly for the Apple Health population. HCA is the sponsoring agency for the HCMACS enterprise EHR solution.

Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS)

Through HCMACS, DSHS is implementing a statewide electronic health record system to enhance the quality of care for patients and residents in both the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

A centralized system will improve coordination of care, enhance medication management, and support standardized care protocols. It will also promote better communication among providers, including those in the community. In addition, the system will increase efficiency, reduce redundant technology, and provide modern clinical decision support, helping DSHS staff deliver and manage care more effectively.

Department of Corrections (DOC)

The DOC is committed to modernizing agency-provided health care and partnering with HHS coalition agencies to plan and implement an enterprise EHR solution to promote care coordination and case management for incarcerated individuals in Washington State prisons as well as assisting individuals through their reentry process.

An enterprise EHR solution will improve the overall patient experience while improving health care and care coordination efficiency, reducing paper use and storage, and transforming patient care through automation, real-time data, analytics, workflow, and information accessibility.

Washington Technology Services (WaTech)

WaTech provides strategic oversight and governance for the HCMACS enterprise EHR solution and ensures alignment with legislative goals and program objectives. The agency oversees program and project plans, deliverables, and gate certifications, with funding releases tied to certification milestones. With program funding managed through WaTech’s budget, the agency ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with legislative directives throughout the program’s lifecycle.