Has open source found its true calling with transforming the US healthcare system?

Open source has slowly been gaining momentum since its beginnings in the 1970's and 1980's. However, there has never been such an extreme and immediate need like there is today for an interoperable, low-cost software offering. This need comes with the United States healthcare system. It is clear today that the US healthcare system has become an extreme financial burden on the United States government with estimates of it becoming 20% of the US Gross Domestic Product. The lack of communication amongst US healthcare providers is costing the government, employers, etc. billions of dollars per year. A fix is needed immediately and is recognized now as imperative in the Economic Stimulus Bill.

However, with the recognition does not come agreement on how to fix the system. The system is complex and extremely segregated. If a successful solution is to be implemented, it must unite and connect our national healthcare system. The benefits of the sharing of information amongst healthcare providers are far reaching, empowering healthcare providers with the most current information about patients to make the best diagnosis. Therefore, it is apparent that proprietary software healthcare suites are not sufficient if they do not offer interoperability.

The open source healthcare movement can gain strength because of its foundational construction. Open source is about the community and empowering the community to providing the best source code there is. Also, open source software is based upon interoperability. The source code must be congruent with other offerings for it to be easily enhanced and build upon. Therefore, open source can be the solution for hundreds of small physician offices across the US that cannot afford the large proprietary software suites nor the interoperable systems. These smaller offices must be able to connect with larger healthcare networks to be empowered with the best information. Open source can provide this platform and do it at a low cost. Also, it is flexible, so if regulations change and alterations need to be made to the systems, it can easily be accomplished at low prices.

This report by the California HealthCare Foundation provides an excellent overview of open source health software. It is important to note that it was written March 2006, so many developments have occurred within the open source healthcare movement that it does not include. However, it still remains a good overview of what open source health systems can provide vs. proprietary health systems.