History

Interviews were conducted with experts in the fields of health administration, law, medicine, telecommunications and economics in the Spring of '93 to determine USHIN legal, technical, and political feasibility as well as economic and health advantages. Consumers and industry leaders were polled to assess concept interest and determine implementation steps.

Health industry leaders were then interviewed including the American Medical Association, the American Association of Retired Persons, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Association, the Health Insurance Association of America, and Public Citizen. Much time was spent with governmental policy leaders from the National Library of Medicine and experts from the Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From all perspectives USHIN was viewed as a beneficial, intelligent evolution of the internet, for the economy as a whole, and for health industry and consumer interests. National government and industry leaders expressed enthusiasm about an Arizona prototype to test the concept.

By early '94 popularity and support of the USHIN prototype in Tucson and Arizona was measured in a series of public forums. Social service providers, experts in computers, telecommunications and the information highways were invited to share their views. A health providers forum of physicians, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health professionals was aired over community cable television.

history continued