HEALTH IT: Insurers Leading The Health Care Technology Charge

Why This Topic Matters

Health plan-led technology initiatives can influence how data is shared, how care is coordinated, and how patients interact with their coverage and providers. The article is useful for understanding payer-driven trends in health IT and the broader push toward interoperability and standardization.

Article Sections

1. Health plans and health information technology adoption

   An overview of how insurers are using health information technology to support operations, consumer access, and care-related services. The section also notes concerns about variation across products and implementations.

2. PHRs especially valuable in current treatment climate

   A discussion of personal health records and the types of features health plans are emphasizing for members and providers. It also highlights planned development areas described for 2006.

3. Medical care benefits from plans' health IT push

   Examples of health plan technology projects that extend beyond personal health records, including remote monitoring and related care support tools.

4. E-prescribing programs beginning to take hold -- and upcoming standardization will help

   Coverage of collaborative prescribing initiatives and the broader move toward standardized electronic prescribing requirements associated with Medicare Part D.