A number of big players have announced they will work together to create a blockchain-based ecosystem for the healthcare industry.
Aetna, Anthem, Health Care Service Corporation, PNC Bank and IBM say they will create a network to improve transparency and interoperability in a highly secure, shared environment which will, in turn, drive digital transformation in the healthcare industry.
"Blockchain's unique attributes make it suitable for large networks of members to quickly exchange sensitive data in a permissioned, controlled, and transparent way," said Lori Steele, general manager for healthcare and life sciences for IBM. "The fact that these major healthcare players have come together to collaborate indicates the value they see in working together to explore new models that we think could drive more efficiency in the healthcare system and ultimately improve the patient experience."
"Through the application of blockchain technology, we'll work to improve data accuracy for providers, regulators, and other stakeholders, and give our members more control over their own data," said Aetna insurance chief technology officer Claus Jensen.
"We view blockchain as an enabler for establishing trust. - and with a trusted foundation based on transparency and cryptography, we will provide a faster, safer and more secure way to exchange medical information to transform the consumer healthcare experience," said Anthem’s chief digital officer, Rajeev Ronanki.
