Advocating for U.S. dominance in medical technology advancements: The 'Let's Make American Health Technology Shine Again' call for action
The healthcare industry is on the cusp of a revolutionary change, with a focus on building a next-generation ecosystem that prioritizes patients, improves outcomes, reduces provider burden, and drives value. This transformation is being spearheaded by several key initiatives and commitments from industry leaders.
One such initiative is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) interoperability framework, which aims to put patients at the centre of healthcare, breaking down the fragmentation and bureaucracy that has long kept health data locked away. CMS is establishing an interoperability framework to create common data standards and networks, enabling seamless and secure exchange of clinical data between patients and providers.
Advanced technology and improved access to medical information will be transformative, especially for rural patients who often face barriers to quality care. Humana has pledged to help enable this framework, while companies across the industry have made commitments to build a patient-centric digital health ecosystem.
Payers, such as insurance companies and Medicare, can use value-based care payment models to encourage interoperability. These tools will help transform raw health data into actionable insights and convenient services for consumers, including personalized health management apps, AI assistants for healthcare, and seamless digital check-ins.
Innovations on the horizon are promising. For instance, the implementation of interoperable predictive technology platforms has already shown significant results at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. These platforms have decreased cardiac arrests by 27% per year, saving about $800,000, and have reduced ICU mortality from 1.3 in 2014 to currently running about 0.5-0.6.
However, a new incentive structure is needed to encourage healthcare systems to adopt interoperable systems. The White House, through the "Make American Health Tech Great Again" event, has brought together more than 60 of the country's largest healthcare providers, insurers, and tech companies to discuss and drive this change.
One network leading this charge is the Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Alliance, a network of 17 hospitals. Their goal is to enhance community health, facilitate collaboration, and drive innovation in rural areas. By focusing on patient-centered care, they aim to improve, timely access to accurate clinical data across different healthcare providers, enhancing care coordination and patient safety through a secure and interoperable health information network.
Better information sharing reinforces value-based arrangements that allow doctors to spend more time with patients, improving overall patient outcomes and reducing provider burden. This shift towards a patient-centered ecosystem is a significant step forward in the evolution of healthcare, making it more accessible, efficient, and personalized for all.
