More momentum for connected providers

Much interesting going on in health IT news this week, most of which pertains, one way or another, to connecting up disparate providers across networks. While many of these developments are preliminary, I'd say several points add up to momentum on the connected provider front.

For one thing, we note this week that the FCC is giving out $400 million--not chump change, even in telecom circles--to fund broadband networks that will link up providers with the National Health Information Network. It's intriguing to see that the money isn't coming from HHS, but rather, the nation's telecom regulator. Not sure what that means, yet, but it's noteworthy.

Another interesting tidbit: A new report suggests using telemedicine technology could save $4.2 billion a year. The fact that this research was funded partly by a carrier (AT&T) probably has some bearing on the praise for more high-bandwidth network use, but still, it's a big enough sum to catch the eye of regulators.

Meanwhile, regional networks keep getting funded and stumbling onto their feet, such as the latest to cross my desk, a planned RHIO in the Shreveport, La. community. Sure, as we're noted here before, there are questions whether the RHIO model even works, but that isn't stopping regional health organizations from soldiering on with their plans.

Sure, you're reading this and saying "Hey, all of this doesn't add up to much...just a bunch of data points." But I'd disagree there. If you read between the lines, you'll see a stubborn refusal by key players to let the idea of a broader provider communications infrastructure die. And you'll see evidence piling up that some forms of communication (e.g. telemedicine) have already proven their value.

It seems pretty clear to me that it's going to take more than grants and regional organizing efforts to ramp up connected provider efforts.  Ultimately, for connected medicine to succeed, physicians, hospitals and other providers will have to see networked communication with their peers as a core activity--like using a computer or phone line--rather than an exotic add-on.

It could be a while before that happens, given that med schools aren't generally teaching Telemedicine 101 and that few students will be exposed to such technology in their residencies. Still, however long it takes, it seems that the networks will be ready when they are.-Anne