Data shows healthcare industry going digital

According to data in the 2014 National Progress Report, Surescripts processed 6.5 billion health data transactions in 2014 -- more transactions in one year tham American Express and PayPal.

This major milestone demonstrated the digital change of the U.S. healthcare system.

“Connecting the nation’s healthcare system is a monumental task, and while more work is needed to ensure true interoperability nationwide, there is no question that the Surescripts network is more connected than ever before,” Surescripts CEO Tom Skelton said. “Healthcare is evolving, and our collective ability to share health information is addressing a major pain point for providers and patients that ultimately saves time and money and improves the quality of care.”

By the end of 2014, Surescripts had connected 900,000 healthcare professionals, 61,000 pharmacies, 3,300 hospitals, 700 EHR software applications, 45 immunization registries and 32 state and regional networks with access to health information for 230 million patients.

“Thousands of patients come through our doors each day," Chuck Fennell, chief information officer at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, said. "In order to know we are providing the best care, we need to understand their health histories and communicate with other care partners in a timely manner. The most efficient way to meet that goal is to communicate electronically. Surescripts’ 2014 National Progress Report proves what we at St. Joseph’s already know -- that healthcare is going digital.”