Program allows employees to create personal health network

Maryland-based WellNet Healthcare is testing a novel approach to personal health records (Source: “A Social Network for Your Doctor, Pharmacist and Insurer,”  Washington Post, Aug. 16, 2008).

The company, which evaluates corporate health plans by collecting detailed information on employees’ medical and pharmacy activity, launched beta testing of its Point to Point Healthcare system last month. The program allows employees to set up a personal network between their insurance claims manager and multiple doctors and pharmacies so that their care can be better coordinated. An online concierge helps them find specials and a message systems reminds them to pick up prescriptions.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle for Wellnet, which is testing the program with a handful of its clients, is persuading its network of 300,000 primary-care doctors to use the online tools to work with patients.