Setting the Stage: Anthem’s Bold Move into Blockchain
Anthem, the heavyweight champion among health insurance firms in America, is flexing its muscles in the tech arena by embracing blockchain technology. Over the next three years, they aim to revolutionize how their 40 million members access and share medical data. Imagine a world where patients have fortified control over their health records—sounds like science fiction, right? But Anthem is setting the stage for this reality.
Patient-Centric Data: The Powers of Blockchain
The company’s ambition was spotlighted at the 8th Annual Forbes Healthcare Summit, where CEO Gail Boudreaux emphasized that blockchain could help alleviate trust concerns surrounding data sharing. According to her, “What blockchain potentially gives us the opportunity to do is not worry about those trust issues.” This means patients can make empowered decisions concerning their medical data—even allowing others to peek under the hood for a limited time.
How It Works: The QR Code Saga
With a cheeky nod to technology of old, Anthem is running pilot tests with a group of lucky members who can simply scan a QR code via a mobile app. This little piece of tech magic grants healthcare providers temporary access to these members’ health records. It’s a bit like lending your favorite book to a friend—only it’s your health info involved!
The Approval Process: Who’s in Charge Here?
Anthem’s Chief Digital Officer, Rajeev Ronanki, paints an intriguing picture of a permission-based system where the consumer is the captain of their healthcare ship. “We think it’s a pretty transformative thing for health,” he remarked, pointing out the empowerment that comes with ownership of one’s data. Consumers can now decide when and how their health information flows—an empowering shift away from the traditional, rigid systems.
A Coalition for Change: Anthem’s Strategic Partnerships
Anthem isn’t going solo on this journey. Earlier in the year, they teamed up with heavy hitters like Aetna, PNC Bank, and IBM to forge a blockchain network specifically for the healthcare industry. Chris Ward from PNC Bank noted that embracing blockchain can help slash those pesky friction and redundancy issues that make healthcare feel like wading through molasses.
The Blockchain Buzz: Looking to the Future
As hospitals, insurers, and healthcare professionals dive into the swimming pool of blockchain technology, the anticipation is palpable. The expected rollout of Anthem’s blockchain innovation will unfold in phases, set to kick off in 2020. However, as of the latest update from Cointelegraph, Anthem is keeping a tight lid on further developments. Hold onto your hats, folks—this could be a game-changer!
+ There are no comments
Add yours