CURRENT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CURRENT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES - Essay Example Three existing models are used to connect these communities of networked information; hybrid, co-op and federation. Federation combines enterprises that are self-sufficient and maintain an agreement to share and network and allow access to information via a peer to peer system. Co-op combines enterprises that are comprised of smaller enterprises using a combined data repository that share their technology and expenses. Hybrid is obviously a combination of the two which is more beneficial in larger areas where information is shared across geographical areas. Many are formed originally as non-profit and once established change to a profit status. Creating a health information network that is national should be centralized, available on the internet, be governed by both public and private organization and be patient centered, complying with all health information security protocols and standards. Cooperation between government and the public sector is essential and regional level networks need to include harmonization (Conn). Uses of health information can include quality assurance, clinical pathways, protocol development, outcome measurements, health plan performance and underwriting among many other attributes. A health information system can be used by patients, providers, case managers, drug manufacturers, insurance companies, and other payers. Despite technology advances healthcare electronic solutions continue to lag behind other areas in information technology. Electronic personal health care records allow patients to store, view, capture and share information about their health care needs. They are a combination of data, knowledge, and software tools which allow consumers to become more active in their case management. A 2009 survey indicated that 8 of 10 Americans are concerned about their health care data being used inappropriately (McGee). Medical costs are increasing patient exposure and