Policy Megachange and Health Information Exchanges

Health care represents nearly one-sixth of the overall U.S. economy and has costs that are growing well beyond the inflation rate. Because multiple actors such as patients, physicians, hospitals, vendors, payers, and advocacy organizations are important to health care, it has been difficult to enhance communication channels among these constituencies.

Health information exchanges represent one way to improve capacity to share data. State health information exchanges have made progress in establishing organizational frameworks, building technology-based connections, and bringing relevant groups to the table for discussion. However, barriers remain in terms of governance, financing, and policy vision. Many states and localities have experienced difficulties in producing consensus on strategies and approaches, and identifying consistent revenue streams.

On February 8, Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies and founding director of the Center for Technology Innovation, moderated a conversation on the issues surrounding implementation of health information exchanges. Panelists Janet Marchibroda, John Piescik, Jon White, and Claudia Williams discussed mechanisms to increase the flow of information across relevant organizations and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system.

In addition, West, with Allan Friedman, released a new paper, “Health Information Exchanges and Megachange.”

Following the program, panelists took questions from the audience.

This event was live-tweeted using the hashtag #TechCTI.