Taking an “Infrastructure” Approach to Digital ID in U.S. Health Sector
Distinct patient experiences highlight the divergent strategies regarding digital ID in healthcare between the U.S. and UK. In the U.S., the healthcare system grapples with prolonged, intrusive, and convoluted procedures stemming from a fragmented ID and authentication framework.
According to Identity Week, the participants of a USAID Digital Health Working Group have lobbied for an “infrastructure” approach to be taken to digital ID in the healthcare sector, which moves away from digitalizing ID
Care facilities and providers must bridge the quality of care services. Christine Kim, in charge of investments at Co-Develop, said ID should be leveraged as digital public “infrastructure” to expand what other data can be connected by other healthcare bodies.
For every first visit, US patients are asked to fill out 15-20 forms providing their personal information before commencing a “multi-mode” identity authentication. A receptionist is likely too check the “health insurance on your health insurance card is valid”, said Christine.
In contrast, the NHS Login offers a decentralized, one-time authentication for UK patients who retain control over their own data. Their identity check involves a simple process of uploading a photo with an official ID and a selfie.
Public and private service providers engage in the system to pull only the necessary information they need from the patient for a specific visit.
