“Delivering Better Healthcare Through theAdoption of Information Technology”

Presented by Manfred Sternberg to theHIMSS Management Engineering/Process Improvement Task ForceOctober 2, 2007

This material is offered as a service to our members. It is not necessarily reflective of HIMSS’ position, nor does it s inclusion on the HIMSS website imply any HIMSS endorsement.

Healthcare in Houston

Healthcare is the largest industry in the US.

Houston is home to the the largest medical complex in the world.

Workers are well-educated, with income that is higher than average.

People from around the world seek care from area facilities.

Healthcare helps drive the IT, biotechnology, and education clusters.

Continues to be a crucial component of the area economy.

Healthcare Sector Growth

Baby boomers are aging, requiring acute care for the first time.

R&D of treatment options is driving the increased demand for care.

The 11 fastest growing occupations in Texas are health-related.

Nationally, the fastest growing sector of IT is healthcare.

Texas

27% (5.5 million) Texans are uninsured, the highest in the nation.

Nationally, 18% (46 million) Americans are without health insurance

79% of uninsured Texans work or have a working family member.

68% of the uninsured Texans are White and not classified poor.

~80% of the uninsured in Texas are U.S. citizens

National Health Information Network

Bush Administration Directive

Addressed in the 2007 Domestic Agenda

Central issue for the 2008 Presidential Election

Electronic and securely available anytime, anywhere

Proponents include:Senator ClintonSenator Ted KennedyFormer Speaker Gingrich32 Bills in Congress46 State efforts; 150+ local efforts RHIOPending Federal legislation directly supporting eHealth Trusts (49 sponsors)

Problems:• Mix of paper and electronic• No standardization• Unmanageable• Incomplete• Expensive

Current State ofHealthcare Connectivity

Connected Community Vision

Independent physicians

Silos of Information

Kelsey

?

Gateway

?

(Arms Race)

Community Infrastructure

Potential Benefits:• Portable lifetime health record• Improved healthcare delivery

The iHealth Trust Vision

Step 1: Set up account; authorize deposits and withdrawals; get ID card to facilitate registration process & IDStep 2: Deposit. With your permission, caregivers deposit copies of your medical information into your electronic lockbox

Step 3: Verify & Update your PHR. You verify your information through the Internet or with your physician. You can also add updates or comments.Step 4: Withdrawals. With your permission, doctors withdraw a copy of your information from your lockbox to take better care of you and your family.

How does the iHealth Trust work?

3 iHealth Trust Windows

Deposit Withdrawal Research

ClearinghouseorRepository

5209 people 1948 (1st generation)Every 2 years: Detailed Medical History, Physical, Labs

5124 offspring 1971 (2nd generation)Every 2 years:Detailed Medical History, Physical, Labs

3500 offspring 2002 (3rd generation)Every 2 years:Detailed Medical History, Physical, Labs

Consider the Boston University Framingham Heart Study…

What will the value be for appropriate access to large- sample, electronically collected, clinical information in the future?

Imagine the shear volume ofpatient medical information withinthe facilities of the Texas Medical Center.

Consider Houston…

Does Houston lead or follow?

Dr. Ernest William Bertner, January 30, 1949 - Houston

“As a time saver, a pneumatic tube system will be included that will connect all institutions in the center.”This was for the purpose of distributing histories of patients and other information that might be needed, as well as a means of communication between departments in the teaching institutions.

Possible challenges to this initiative.

Conflicting institutional missions; self interestPerception of lack of trustData rights and permissions issuesHouston iHealth Trust financingLegal issues

Reasons to do this…….Better Healthcare for communityCreates community system to manage uninsured Standardization of medical community interface Consumer privacy is prime directiveServes to position Houston as national health leader

Creates Economic Cluster for HIT & ResearchProvides bridge for genetic research

2008 is pivotal yearSmart cards to be rolled out in Texas#1 domestic issue in national politicsGHP leadership & others are engaged

TMC founders’ visionCollaboration in ultra competitive marketplaceLeverage HIT arms race happening nowGoing to happen anyway…….

Questions How does Houston leverage its lead with world’s largest medical center?

Can Houston be a place where people get 21st

century care and get better, faster, using new medical device (IT) in ultra competitive marketplace?

Who is willing to take the risk and lead this effort in our community, to explore and experiment on “connecting” our Healthcare system?

What does Houston need now?

Non stakeholder Leadership Convene the “discussion”Agree on Houston’s strategyDevelop a sustainable business planResources to do all of this

Questions

Manfred Sternberg713-683-1330

manfred@bluegate.com