Surescripts CEO Announces Retirement After 30 Years in Health IT

Health IT vendor Surescripts has announced that chief executive officer Tom Skelton has informed the Board of his decision to retire from his position, effective December 31, 2022.

Skelton will continue to lead the company for the next year and will actively help the Board in the search for his successor. He is also committed to working with the new CEO through a transition period to ensure a seamless transfer of leadership.

“As Tom prepares for his well-deserved retirement, we celebrate the many accomplishments Surescripts has achieved under his leadership these past seven years,” Steve Miller, MD, Surescripts board co-chair and Cigna chief clinical officer, noted in a press release.

In Skelton’s time at the company, Surescripts launched its Real-Time Prescription Benefit EHR integration, which is used by over 550,000 prescribers to access patient-specific prescription drug cost and coverage information at the point of care. The tool aims to enhance price transparency and minimize patient out-of-pocket costs.

“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.

Skelton has spent over 30 years working in health IT, including roles as CEO of Foundation Radiology Group and Misys Healthcare Systems. He noted that being CEO of Surescripts has been the highlight of his 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," he noted.  “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,” he said. “Surescripts is positioned for a bright future, and I am committed to making the transition to a new CEO smooth.”