Building better care via data sharing & technology

Author: David Merritt

Imagine sitting in your doctor’s office. You need a test, and the prior authorization is submitted and approved instantly. Before you even leave the exam room.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) companies made a commitment to improve that process for patients—and there are countless other ways that modern technology can make health care better for all of us.

That speed and coordination depends on interoperability, the ability to securely exchange health information across the health care system. When information flows seamlessly and securely between doctors, hospitals, insurers and patients, it helps everyone make better, faster decisions. And it saves money by making health care more efficient.

In July, the White House and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Interoperability Framework and Health Technology Ecosystem, which signals continued momentum toward a more connected, data-driven health system. The goal is to improve how health information is shared and make digital health tools more available. Because they work. Data excellence supports value-based care, empowering health insurers and providers to deliver better health outcomes at lower costs.

BCBS value-based care programs show that when providers have access to timely, accurate and comprehensive data, they can deliver better, more coordinated care. In fact, patients treated by providers in BCBS value-based have 9.4% fewer ER visits and 13% lower use of ERs for non-emergent care.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and BCBS companies have long been leaders in advancing interoperable health data. To support coordinated, efficient care delivery, we’ve invested in the digital infrastructure that makes it possible, from interoperable platforms and real-time analytics to remote patient monitoring and artificial intelligence-powered tools to help identify health risks and personalize treatment plans.

The path forward for interoperability

We applaud and appreciate CMS’ leadership to “Make Health Tech Great Again” and deliver the kind of fast, integrated system that drives better health at lower costs. There is an important role for federal policymakers to streamline processes that can advance technology innovation and value-based care:

• Driving adoption of digital health tools in value-based care programs to reduce administrative burden, improve coordination and expand participation
• Reducing barriers to data sharing across plans, patients and providers promoting transparency, improved decision-making and stronger care management
• Scale the adoption of value-based care through interoperable systems
• Encourage the responsible use of AI to streamline operations, save money, and improve patient outcomes
• Increase access to care via digital health tools, including telehealth, particularly in rural communities with limited access to health care facilities

Unlocking the power of interoperability will require policy solutions that address health care’s fragmented digital infrastructure, remove regulatory barriers to clinical data exchange, and ensure that digital tools enhance the patient experience.

By working together to advance responsible, efficient data interoperability and innovation, we can support a health system that delivers smarter, faster, more personalized and more affordable care. We remain committed to driving this progress and supporting policies that prioritize better health outcomes for all Americans.