Technology is everywhere in our lives. We use our phones to check in for flights, track our fitness, and get personalized shopping advice. But when it comes to managing our health, things aren’t so smooth. Many of us find ourselves printing records, repeating our medical history at every appointment, and filling out the same forms over and over. It’s frustrating and, frankly, unacceptable.
Recently, health care and tech leaders came together at the White House to address these issues. Their goal? To fix what’s broken in health technology and start building effective solutions. This is a critical moment—no more waiting; it’s time for action.
I’m passionate about this topic because of my daughter, Morgan. She has a rare condition that requires her to see 12 doctors and manage 21 medications. For over a decade, she’s had to navigate a tangled web of disconnected systems and repeated paperwork. During her brief appointments, she often receives little useful feedback—no smart tools to manage her symptoms or provide tailored advice.
For example, Morgan’s smartwatch tracks her activity but doesn’t consider her unique health needs. It can’t advise her when to take it easy or when to use her medication. In many aspects of our lives, we get personalized, intuitive feedback—why not in health care?
Recently, Morgan tried an AI tool that analyzed her medical records. It revealed a small but significant misdiagnosis, making her eligible for a clinical trial. This trial could offer the first real hope she’s seen in years. This is the potential of connected health data—it can make a real difference.
Currently, the federal government has put a lot of money into digitizing health care, but that’s just the first step. Dr. Mehmet Oz and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are working on establishing the infrastructure needed for innovation. This includes collaboration to create a national provider directory, a system that helps medical professionals communicate effectively and provides patients with coordinated care.
Did you know that lack of accurate provider information costs the health care system over $2.7 billion each year in wasted efforts? According to the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare, there is still no central, trusted source of information that describes where providers work or what specialties they cover. This contributes to inefficiency and confusion, making it hard for patients to get the care they need.
Aside from better data sharing, there is a focus on privacy and security. Patients must feel confident about who has access to their information. The aim is to create tools that empower patients to manage their care easily, just like they do with other apps in their daily lives.
However, it’s not just up to the government. The private sector—clinicians, developers, and startups—plays a crucial role in turning raw data into practical tools that can help patients. We need a collective push towards innovative solutions that can eliminate outdated practices, like the clipboard, and improve the health care experience.
Imagine walking into your doctor’s office and quickly sharing your health history by scanning a QR code. Picture having an AI tool that understands your care plan, guiding you through medications and appointments, providing support 24/7. This isn’t a dream; it can be our reality if we act now.
The bottom line is this: waiting is no longer an option. The right information at the right moment can steer us from uncertainty to clarity, from illness to recovery, and from despair to hope. It’s time to stop faxing and embrace smarter solutions.
Amy Gleason is an advisor to the Department of Health and Human Services, pushing for a healthcare system that truly connects and serves patients effectively.
