Secondary Usage of Health Data

Another report has been released touting the benefits of secondary usage of health information.  PriceWaterhouseCooper's report highlights the benefits of utilizing this data for a variety of purposes.  It also notes that a majority of companies already utilize health information secondarily.  For example, half of pharma companies have access to clinical informatics contained in EHRs.  However, the access that was available was seen as limited or difficult to obtain and use in a meaningful way.

The report does cite the need for stringent privacy and security protocols.  A majority of those surveyed were concerned with legal and public relations incidents from usage of the data.  Another area of the report calls for increased collaboration among providers, payers, pharma, and IT vendors.  This recommendation seems to be based on common sense.  However, it does not fully address Stark, Anti-Kickback, and Anti-Trust considerations.

All in all it appears that the veil is being lifted and the real reason underlying adoption of EHRs is being brought to light.  The business rationale for secondary usage is convincing.  However, the privacy and security concerns will be difficult to adequately resolve.