February 24th marked the start of the Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS), an ideal event for networking and connecting with the most influential leaders in the industry. During the first day, over 35,000 people visited the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida, USA.
During his opening speech at HIMSS14, Mark Bertolini, CEO and President of Aetna, said that the health system in the United States is losing US$800 billion a year, arguing that this makes it the perfect moment to change.
“The solution we need depends on whether or not we can meet the objective of a more productive and economically viable health system, with healthier and more satisfied patients,” he said.
The President of Aetna went on to call on the government of the country and industry leaders to move away from costly care systems and focus on users who need to be connected via technology.
Bertolini also said that patients should see the healthcare service as an investment in both their health and their financial security.
Some of the main features of HIMSS14 include: international speakers, exhibitions of IT products, more than 300 educational events and workshops and the opportunity to tour 1200 stands. Stand out attractions include the Interoperability Exhibition and the Connected Patient Learning Gallery.
