'Case' in Point: Patient Control of Data Critical Catalyst for Online Health Care ...( Revolution Health CEO: 'We need ...),Health

Revolution Health CEO: 'We need to get the system out of the way'

ORLANDO, Fla., May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Internet visionary turned e-health entrepreneur Steve Case predicts that converging trends in public policy, technology and consumerism in health care will combine to effectively "shake the snow globe," simultaneously creating disruption and opportunity, and leading to a revolution in American health care.

The America Online co-founder, who now serves as chairman and CEO of Revolution Health, says in-part that consumers need to overcome security paranoia -- as they did in online financial transactions.

"Consumers must be in control of the electronic health record, as there is far too much focus on 'who possesses the electronic storage cabinet,'" Case said, adding that in addition to trusting the technology, consumers must also preserve trusted relationships. "One of the most sacred relationships is between physicians and patients. We need to get 'the system' out of the way."

Case delivered his comments in a keynote address to hundreds of attendees at Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MHS) 2008 Drug Trend "Predictions" Symposium.

Drawing comparisons between the skeptics of wired health care today and those who downplayed the development of the Internet in the mid 1980s, Case argued that once a secure, ubiquitous system is in place, patients and payors alike will be drawn to the financial efficiencies and clinical benefits of connected care.

"The conventional wisdom 15-20 years ago was that consumers wouldn't want interactivity, and most people didn't believe in eCommerce, because they didn't think anyone would want to share their credit card information," said Case. "Turns out the key
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