Creating a National Health Information Network

Creation of a robust patient-centered health care system that also addresses the need to improve quality, increase access, and reduce costs is a significant national priority. Health information technology (HIT) can help us realize that goal. But in order to realize the full promise of HIT, we must first create a robust, interoperable network and information exchange.

In response to the need for guidance and direction in establishing a National Health Information Network (NHIN), the Office of the National Health Information Technology (ONCHIT) at the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) sought public comment and responses on strategies for creating, implementing, and managing an NHIN.

Booz Allen Hamilton has crafted a response to 24 questions posed by HHS in the Request for Information titled "Development and Adoption of a National Health Information Network." Our response defines a NHIN as the technology, governance, and business framework; legislative actions; and change management that results in interoperability among geography- and domain-based health information networks.

Booz Allen believes that understanding the technology involved is just one of many necessary enablers required to succeed. In fact, the greatest existing barrier to national interoperability is not technological — it is the absence of incentives for a large and diverse stakeholder group, in the face of legal and economic risks.

Other key considerations include:

• A clear and compelling value proposition
• An active role for government in facilitating and encouraging interoperability
• A public-private partnership and governance model
• A national network that will require unambiguous specification of the type and meaning of the information to be shared between health systems
• A network-centric model that will leverage the power of digital networks
• Information security and privacy

If you would like to learn more about Booz Allen's NHIN plan, please download a PDF copy of "A National Health Information Network — Putting People First through Public-Private Collaboration."