The Future of Healthcare Depends on Enhanced Data Exchange

The flow of data between care providers and health insurance plans is often in one direction, incomplete, and not fast enough—leading to ineffective collaboration between the two groups. This lack of communication and coordination can frustrate providers and consumers and—more importantly—potentially delay care or lead to poorer health outcomes.

We will not be able to take the next step in healthcare’s digital evolution until we have real-time, bi-directional exchange of data between groups, such as health insurance plans and care providers, who play significant roles in helping consumers lead healthier lives.

This model must incorporate data sources such as electronic health record companies, health information exchanges (HIEs), healthcare providers, and third-party vendors that also collect and produce health information. And that data needs to include clinical data; lab results; and information about hospital admission, discharge, and transfer.