Because Data Is Power.

Seth Godin's blog post earlier today When Ideas Become Powerful explores what happens when certain people perceive something, e.g. property, interstate commerce, ideas, and data, as powerful. The first inclination is to find a way to take ownership, regulate, and take control of whatever is perceived as valuable and powerful.

As we watch events unfold in the healthcare arena with medical professionals and, more importantly, medical CIOs weighing in about who should control and manage the data of the people who seek medical care, their health customers, it becomes very clear that there is a tremendous effort to retain control of 'patient' data. There is an entire litany of reasons/excuses for keeping and managing 'patient' data in much the same way as always. In other words, it you want your data, you have to ask the medical service providers and successfully negotiate their gatekeepers.

Seriously! This data is about you and you shared it with your health professionals, but do you think they really should exert ownership over it and prevent access?

Meanwhile, it is openly acknowledged that security is not a priority for hospitals and that there are as many as 300,000 deaths annually in the U.S. as a result of poor handwriting and/or errors in directions.

Can someone explain this because I just don't get it.








So, why are there so many tech companies working so hard to build applications for health service providers to convert and maintain their records electronically? Because this has been made a requirement, so there's a captive market. However, does that mean it's going to be easier for the health consumer to get a complete record of health data? Mmmm, not necessarily....

So, we're still going to be dealing with the same challenges tomorrow as you are today! Why are we so seemingly complacent about allowing stranger to control our health data? I'll let you answer that for yourself....

We at Caduces are working diligently to offer an alternative to put health consumers in control of their health and health data that will also foster a collaborative relationship with your health professionals for yourself and everyone in your family.

If you are excited about the potential for taking control of your health, please visit Caduces.net and register to be eligible to be a Beta tester and please share this with family and friends.

It's the evolution of health information management that puts health consumers in control!

In November, 2010, 4 in 10 Americans Said Their Healthcare Is Excellent

As you can read in this article, last November, 4 in 10 Americans Said Their Healthcare Is Excellent.

What's your take on this? Do you have the same experience? Do you have health insurance? Is it through your employer or a private policy?

I just had a conversation last week with a friend whose girlfriend, in her mid-30's, was denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. She then became eligible for a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. Not only does it save hundreds of dollars every month in health premiums, but the co-pay for anything and everything is...$5. Add to this that she is no longer limited to seeing certain doctors, so she is extremely happy with her healthcare.

So, these are not wealthy people, but the girlfriend, at least, has quality healthcare and is happy. Can you say the same? Are you in favor of universal health care benefits? Why...or, why not? Please support your comments with the facts that brought you to that stance.