Eliminating Telehealth Policy Barriers

We’ve learned from television commercials that you can pick up your e-book reader, punch a button on the touch screen and instantly see a live person appear in front of you to walk you through any technical problems you have with your device.  TV advertising also reminds us that, if your newer model car breaks down, you’re just a click away from speaking with someone who can diagnose your automobile’s problems from hundreds of miles away and send immediate assistance to your location.
These wireless advancements that make our lives more convenient can’t help but beg the question, though – why aren’t we moving just as rapidly to use digital technologies to make ourselves healthier?
I should admit right at the outset that I have a selfish reason for wanting to see more progress made in the field of telemedicine, but it’s a reason I share with millions of my fellow adult children with elderly parents.  My father recently passed away after suffering from a debilitating neurological illness that made getting back and forth to his various physicians a near-herculean effort.  My mother, amazing woman that she is, still works full-time at the age of 79, but she and I both know her mobility won’t always be as strong as it is today.
For patients of advanced age and those with physical disabilities and limitations, we have the technological know-how to bring the doctor to the patient rather than vice versa.  Physicians can monitor vital signs and symptoms remotely an...

Source: Disruptive Women in Health Care - June 9, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: dw at disruptivewomen.net Tags: Advocacy HIT/Health Gaming Innovation Policy Source Type: blogs