The coalition’s plan is to provide an insurer-based e-medical network as an alternative to existing regional health networks.
Other health plans involved in the pilot have not been identified, although Tom Wilder, a vice president of America’s Health Insurance Plans, commented, We’re working with a pretty broad cross-section of our members. Spokespersons for Aetna and Cigna said their companies are among the insurers involved.
Gaining the involvement of major US insurers could enhance national electronic record keeping, enabling efficient access to patients’ records and reducing duplicated medical services.
In 2005, the federal government estimated that approximately 17% of doctors’ offices and 31% of hospital emergency departments use electronic health records.
