Simplifying Patient Access: Takeaways from National Health Technology Discussions

By Matt Becker, VP of Interoperability at Kno2

Kno2 recently had the opportunity to attend a critical discussion with CMS and CLEAR, exploring identity, access, and interoperability in healthcare. The conversation highlighted both the progress being made and the work still ahead to make healthcare data truly patient-centered. 

Identity and Access Are the Frontlines of Modern Healthcare 

Vendors and federal agencies are doubling down on stronger identity proofing. The goal is to make secure patient access to their own health information easier. Solutions like CLEAR, ID.me, and login.gov are simplifying login processes while enabling more granular, secure data sharing. At the same time, national frameworks like TEFCA and Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) are making record exchange across health systems a reality, with Oracle Health now sharing data nationwide. 

On the policy side, the ONC is advancing initiatives like HTI-5 and drafting HTI-6, emphasizing API certification and smoother, more standardized data exchange. Meanwhile, CMS is modernizing identity for Medicare.gov, introducing a multi-CSP (cloud service provider) model to streamline secure access for beneficiaries. 

Price Transparency and Patient Access

Another key discussion point was public-facing price transparency, particularly for high-demand medications like GLP-1 drugs. By making costs more visible, policymakers hope to reduce the long-term financial impact of cardio-metabolic disease and give patients better tools to manage their care.  

Across all of these technical and policy advances, one idea stood out. Patients shouldn’t have to remember every portal or health system they’ve ever used to access their own data. The vision is clear: patients prove who they are once, provide consent, and let trusted networks and standards handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes. This approach not only reduces friction but also supports the kind of connected care that improves outcomes. 

Looking Ahead 

Partnerships like CMS + CLEAR are setting the stage for a future where secure, seamless access to health data is the standard. At Kno2, we’re proud to work alongside both CMS and CLEAR to make that vision a reality. We’re all committed to delivering trusted, nationwide connectivity for providers, patients, and health systems alike.