Surescripts announced this week that its chief executive officer, Tom Skelton, will retire at the end of next year.
Skelton, who has worked at the health IT data company since 2014, said he will actively participate in the search for his successor and will work with the new CEO through a transition period.
“Being CEO of Surescripts has been a highlight of my career. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a team of professionals who share a passion for our purpose – to lower costs, improve quality and increase safety,” said Skelton in a statement. “My role as CEO is one that I have loved and my team inspires me every day.”
“As much as I love Surescripts, it is now time for me to pursue my other interests and spend more time with my family. Surescripts is positioned for a bright future and I am committed to making the transition to a new CEO smooth,” he added.
WHY IT MATTERS
Skelton has been involved in various health and IT ventures for more than 25 years.
Before his tenure at Surescripts, Skelton worked as a director at Microfocus, the CEO of Foundation Radiology Group and technology services president at MED3000.
Under his leadership at Surescripts, the company said, the vendor launched several initiatives. These included the organization’s Real-Time Prescription Benefit, aimed at allowing prescribers to access benefits-based prescription price information from their electronic health record.
The company also ramped up efforts to improve electronic prescription accuracy.
In 2018, it reported big gains in interoperability, with 13.7 billion secure transactions and a jump in e-prescribing. Cerner also integrated its prescription pricing data into the vendor’s Millennium EHR.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing: In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission charged the company with monopolizing the e-prescription market. Although Surescripts tried to have the case dismissed, its efforts were unsuccessful. The lawsuit is still ongoing.
Skelton in his announcement this week said that he would stay on as CEO through December 31, 2022 as the company looks for its next CEO.
“We are pleased with Tom’s commitment to maintaining the same high level of engagement he has demonstrated throughout his successful Surescripts tenure and the Board looks forward to working with Tom on the search for a successor and on a smooth leadership transition,” said Douglas Hoey, Surescripts board co-chair and chief executive officer of the National Community Pharmacists Association, in a statement.
THE LARGER TREND
It’s been a big year for notable leadership moves in the health IT industry. This August, Cerner appointed Dr. David Feinberg as president and CEO, following his stint at Google Health.
Meanwhile, Walmart this month hired Dr. David Carmouche to lead its omnichannel health initiative as it continues to expand into the retail medical services space.
ON THE RECORD
“As Tom prepares for his well-deserved retirement, we celebrate the many accomplishments Surescripts has achieved under his leadership these past seven years,” said Dr. Steve Miller, Surescripts board co-chair and chief clinical officer, Cigna.
Kat Jercich is senior editor of Healthcare IT News.
Twitter: @kjercich
Email: [email protected]
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.
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