Over the past two decades, digital technology has revolutionized how business is done in every major industry, but one is lagging: health care. Ironically, or tragically, health care is the one industry for which the introduction of such technologies could have the most profound impact on cost, quality, and our nation′s health. Yet it remains inexplicably mired in a strictly pre–digital way of doing business.
The number of hospitals and doctors that have digitized their patients′ medical records in at least the most basic way has increased over the past eight years. Still, very few have anything approaching the caliber of an electronic records system capable of integrating patient records, prescriptions, and test results. The figures are even less impressive when it comes to the number of U.S. health care systems that have made significant strides toward integrating electronic medical records into systems that would allow doctors, hospitals, and patients to collaboratively share and analyze information.
But, as a leading national expert in health IT, Phil Fasano explains in this important book that there is good cause for hope. Following the lead of visionary organizations such as Kaiser Permanente, the Cleveland Clinic, and the health care systems of Denmark, the Netherlands, and other forward–thinking nations, and supported by progressive government initiatives in Washington, U.S. health care providers are beginning to get on board the technology train. Soon, new and emerging technologies will radically transform health care delivery and enrich our lives in nearly unimaginable ways.
Offering a compelling glimpse of that future, Fasano describes a world where patients use mobile phones to take blood pressure readings during video chats with their doctors; where nutritionists analyze texts of what their clients just ate for lunch; and where medical breakthroughs come, in real time, through the instantaneous exchange of information between researchers and clinicians around the world.
But Philip Fasano does more than paint an alluring picture. Citing numerous examples, he explains that there is, indeed, a financial return for savvy, patient–centered investors and entrepreneurs who are prepared to mine the rich veins of opportunity opening up with the dawning of the high–tech health care revolution.
Seamlessly combining discussions of health care, technology, and finance, he explores the full range of financial and logistical issues surrounding the integration of new technologies, such as cloud computing and social media, with health care systems. And he makes a cogent argument that, while health care reform may be laying the groundwork, the free market is the engine that will drive the health care revolution.
Featuring numerous case studies and real–life examples, insights from a top industry insider, and valuable suggestions for finance, business, and health care professionals who want to get in on the ground floor of the health care technology revolution, Transforming Health Care is a must read for health care providers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Praise for Transforming Health Care
“Our health care system is in critical condition. Intelligently leveraging information technology is a key part of the remedy. Few are more qualified than Phil Fasano to lay out a prescription for dramatic improvement, and he does it well.”
Chunka Mui, coauthor, Billion–Dollar Lessons and Unleashing the Killer App
“Phil Fasano has made a real impact on health care information flow. Combining long experience in the financial industries with a growing understanding of the system needs of the health care world has been synergistic at multiple levels. Phil′s absolute focus on systems availability and multilevel functionality has been a positive addition to the way the health world thinks about and uses systems. This book reflects that learning and that commitment.”
George C. Halvorson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kaiser Permanente
“Phil Fasano is a practical visionary, who also tells great stories. He leads transformation and technology at Kaiser Permanente, the world′s largest private integrated health care system, which means his perspective is deeply grounded in economics, facts, and practical leadership issues while at the same time creatively and courageously predicting how to transform America′s biggest industry. If you have any interest in the future of health care, you must read this book.”
Dr. John Sviokla, Strategy Consultant and former Harvard Business School Professor
“In spite of advances in medical technology, America′s health care system remains stuck in the 20th century, from both a structural and technological perspective. Transforming Health Care looks forward to what is possible using 21st–century information technology to improve care, increase convenience, and save lives. Just as computers, mobile devices, and the Internet have changed retail, banking, and travel, this well–written and provocative book shows the transformational impact each will have on how health care will be provided in the future.”
Robert Pearl, MD, Executive Director and CEO, The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente
“Phil′s book is a thoughtful exploration of the extraordinary movement in health information systems. His expert analysis reveals that when these systems work together effectively utilizing the best data, leading business intelligence, and technology developed in concert with clinicians organizations can indeed transform health care by providing high–quality care at sustainable costs.”
Marc Probst, Chief Information Officer and Vice President, Intermountain Healthcare
About the Author
PHILIP FASANO is Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Kaiser Permanente, where he directs the company′s 6,000–employee health information technology team. He was named one of Computerworld′s 2010 Top 100 Internet Technology Leaders in recognition of his exceptional technology leadership and IT management strategies and, more recently, was named one of CIO magazine′s Premier 100 IT Leaders. Since joining Kaiser Permanente in 2007, Fasano has worked on using technology to move the $48 billion not–for–profit health care system toward a vision of total health for more than 9 million members. Fasano also served in IT leadership roles in some of the nation′s top finance companies, including JP Morgan and Deutsche Financial Services, a division of Deutsche Bank.
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