Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: Where is blockchain in healthcare now and how will it develop in 2019?
Lynn Carroll: Blockchain is poised to move from proof-of-concept and pilot programs into production use cases. We are seeing this happen in our business currently.
Q: What do you think will be the most significant blockchain applications in healthcare over the next five years?
LC: Revenue cycle touchpoints, particularly as they relate to value-based reimbursement programs, will continue to grow. Patient integration — including the incorporation of edge-data device generated and patient generated — will continue to advance population health and quality initiatives. The melding of artificial intelligence and machine learning with blockchain smart contracts will continue to push real-time capabilities throughout the healthcare ecosystem.
Q: What do health IT leaders at hospitals and health systems need to know about blockchain today?
LC: Blockchain implementations in healthcare are real and are providing significant improvements in the permissioned dissemination of real-time data across the continuum of care. Operationally, distributed ledgers and smart contracts can automate workflows and increase real-time transparencies for patients.
To participate in future Becker’s Q&As, contact Jackie Drees at jdrees@beckershealthcare.com.
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