Can Google Health synthesize information from all the data it will collect? (529)

Today I noticed that Google Health is online. I am sure many of us in the health care industry are watching what Google will do in this space. Information mining and management is becoming one of the key differentiators in healthcare delivery. Folks who consume healthcare services (myself included) what to know more about their doctors, costs and medical records then ever before. Plus, there is the entire space dedicated to mining all that information and providing preventative care back to the healthcare consumer now rather then when they get sick. Google, looks like it is entering the information gathering business. But the real question is will it be able to synthesize “information” from all the “data”.

With Google Health, you can:
* Build online health profiles that belong to you
* Download medical records from doctors and pharmacies
* Get personalized health guidance and relevant news
* Find qualified doctors and connect to time-saving services
* Share selected information with family or caregivers

[From Google Reader (529)]

Will more data create health care shoppers? - OregonLive.com

In Oregon, state officials last year began reporting detailed price comparisons among hospitals, a follow-up to reports on hospital-specific death rates. Ten of Oregon's largest health insurers joined a nonprofit's effort to rank how effectively doctors care for patients. And the Legislature ordered hospitals to divulge infection rates and other long-hidden measures.But with the release of such information, the question remains: Will it compel patients to act more like thrift-minded consumers whose clout will restrain price inflation and boost service quality?

Will more data create health care shoppers? - OregonLive.com What I find most interesting about this disucssion is two things: 1) Are providers capible of functioning like businesses with variable costs and compeditive pricing.  This implies that they are actively marketing their services, cost comparing with their peers, and driving down internal costs to lower prices.  All of these things are quite counter to the training a doctor receives.  So either their will be a whole new business area for provier busienss development consulting or perhaps doctor programs will now include marking and sales training beyond the typical medical training :) 2) Even if a provider "advertises" lower prices, would you as a consumer choose them?  It is one thing to buy a car at the lowest price but it is quite another to take such a risk with your health.  I suspect typically medicine is based on relationship and referal from your "trusted" doctor.  Price is not actively considered.  Even if it became a factor how do you know if you are getting a good "health deal", or taking a risk with your life? Blogged with the Flock Browser

Reinvent Health Care

Reinvent Health Care I applaud Regence (my employer) for taking a big risk and creating this unique web site.  Now, I challenge folks to sign into the site and be very candid about how you feel about the US health care system. I am watching the forums closely.  There is the opportunity for some interesting discussion. Blogged with the Flock Browser

Cigna defends decision to let teenager die..

What most people don't realize is the most health care dollars are consumed by any individual during the last 7 days of their life.  At this time the insurer takes the largest net impact to their bottom line and the greatest risk because the doctors literally throw everything at the patient to save their life.  From the Raw Story article:

"What is often misunderstood is that most health benefit plans, whether public or private, do not cover unproven and experimental treatment related to transplants or other treatments," they wrote. "Coverage decisions under these plans are based on the best scientific and clinical evidence available, often utilizing external experts, without consideration of cost."

The Raw Story | Cigna officers defend decision to let teenager die

The facts remain, that until you can remove cost as a component of any health care decision these types of events will continue to happen.  A model must be found where we can better balance the risk and the cost of health care across all of society, rather then a single insurance risk pool.

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