A mission that must succeed
Our government is building the National Health Information Network: an “Internet of health care.” Like the Apollo missions, this project is new, highly technical, and must succeed.
That’s because, as the National Coordinator for Health IT said, “there is no way to transform the health care system” without the NHIN. In our view, health care must be transformed to:
- Lower costs
By making monitoring, treatment, billing, and research more efficient, the NHIN can significantly reduce health care costs—the biggest line item in the Federal budget.
- Increase exports
An “internet of health care” will create a new worldwide market that US-based companies can dominate, improving our nation’s international balance of trade.
- Create jobs
Over 10% of all US jobs are health care-related. An NHIN-driven technology boom in this industry could create large numbers of well-paying jobs.
Creating a new global market
We concentrate on health care IT—specifically the NHIN—because we believe it can create a new global market in which US firms can prosper. We think it will play out this way:
- Our government builds the NHIN.
The Federal government hires contractors to build the NHIN. All Federal health care facilities connect to it.
- The NHIN grows in the private sector.
The network is eventually opened for use in the private sector. Because the “Internet of health care” is open, it grows exponentially, just like the original Internet.
- The NHIN becomes a worldwide network.
To serve rural areas and make the network more secure, much of the NHIN is delivered via satellite. This geospatial aspect helps the NHIN serve a worldwide market.
Promoting Global Health
“In addition to preventing disease and prolonging life, promoting global health is integral to improving livelihoods and ensuring stability.”
-Clinton Global Initiative