Patient Groups Call For Direct To Help Accelerate Data Exchange

The Direct standard, which enables participants to send authenticated and encrypted health data directly to trusted recipients online, could help to accelerate health information exchange efforts, according to a pair of consumer coalitions.

In a joint letter responding to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' request for information on data exchange issued last month, the Consumer Partnership for eHealth and the Campaign for Better Care said that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should map National Provider Identifier numbers to providers' Direct email addresses to create a directory that would enable seamless communication paths.

"HHS could also consider how to offer patients and family/designated caregivers Direct email addresses to encourage provider-patient secure communications," the letter said.