10 Ways Wal-Mart Uses IT to Improve Healthcare

1. Personal control

Individuals control what health information goes in and out of their records, who has access to those records, and how much access they should have. Dossia's founders don't have access to employees' health records.

2. Portable health data

Consumers can continue to access their health information, even when they move from their current employer, physician, pharmacy or health insurance provider. Users aren't tied to any one health plan or doctor or PHR or system.

3. Improved health outcomes

When equipped with the data and tools they need, consumers can be active in their care and more effectively manage their health and prevent illness.

4. Lifelong access to information

Because personally-controlled records belong to the consumer, individuals have long-term access to that information, building a lifelong repository of valuable and actionable health information.

5. Health data from multiple sources

With health data from a broad set of sources, these records provide consumers with a comprehensive picture of their health. Consumers can add their own data, such as family history and immunizations, to fully round out that health picture.

6. Reduced costs

Consumers have the information they need to make better-informed healthcare decisions, leading to lower costs and expenses. Ultimately, healthier consumers mean lower costs for employers and other financially-responsible entities in the healthcare system.

7. Expanded business ROI of wellness programs

PHR complement and support employers' existing investments, such as wellness and disease management programs. They also complement individuals' efforts, including the use of tele-monitoring devices and other health tools.

8. Improved communication in healthcare

Cconsumers have more meaningful, detailed and proactive conversations about their health with physicians and can easily share data with health advocates or family members when dealing with complex and stressful health issues.

9. Consistent, online access

Providing consumers with their health data online allows them to access that information at any time-and potentially during critical emergencies.

10. Manage chronic disease

As the U.S. has become increasingly unhealthy, battling costly chronic diseases-many of which are preventable-consumers with consistent, up-to-date health data can make more informed and preventative decisions about their chronic care.

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