
EHRs, data sharing help save lives
Electronic health information exchanges are positively affecting quality of care, according to a report issued this month by the Government Accountability Office. Of the four unidentified health information exchanges that the GAO reviewed (of 60 nationally), two reported that by coordinating information sharing, they improved early detection of disease outbreaks. In another example, a cardiologist was able to get an abnormal test result electronically to a patient a day earlier than otherwise. (Modern Healthcare)
Commentary: Don’t tinker; realign
Accountable care organizations show promise, but to work well, insurance companies must rethink their role as insurers of last resort. With much of the financial risk shifted in ACOs to providers, insurers no longer need their current level of financial reserves, enabling them to help finance and support the transition to this new business model. A successful shift of the health care system requires all parties’ collaboration. Government could serve as the facilitator. (Commentary by Dennis D. Keefe, chief executive of the Cambridge Health Alliance, in the Boston Globe)
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