Strategies for innovating into the future:
Global futurist and author Jack Uldrich offers essential strategic information on nanotechnology, robotics, biotechnology, RFID and many other future technologies to help you prosper as exponential trends converge at this unique moment in history.
Recent Videos
Subscribe to the Exponential Executive Newsletter Now!
Please enter your name and email:
Recent Blog Posts
Most Popular Posts
Articles Listed by Industry
Health CareManufacturing
Computer/Semiconductor
Telecommunications
Energy
Life Science/Pharmeceutical
Agriculture
Education
Robots
Internet/Information Tech
Finance
Nanotechnology
Retail/Marketing
Automobile/Aerospace
Defense
Aging Services
Other
Articles Listed by Chapter
Chapter 1: The Power of ZenzizenzizenzicChapter 2: Exponential Enablers
Chapter 3: Walk the Escalator
Chapter 4: The Power of Play
Chapter 5: The Spice of Life--Diversity
Chapter 6: Heads and Tails: It's Counterintuitive
Chapter 7: Get in Touch with Your Animal Instincts
Chapter 8: Back to the Future
Chapter 9: Learning to Unlearn
Chapter 10: Doing the Impossible
Other
Archives
August, 2010July, 2010
June, 2010
May, 2010
April, 2010
March, 2010
February, 2010
January, 2010
December, 2009
November, 2009
October, 2009
September, 2009
August, 2009
July, 2009
June, 2009
May, 2009
April, 2009
March, 2009
February, 2009
January, 2009
December, 2008
November, 2008
October, 2008
September, 2008
August, 2008
July, 2008
June, 2008
May, 2008
April, 2008
March, 2008
February, 2008
January, 2008
December, 2007
November, 2007
October, 2007
September, 2007
August, 2007
Future Technology Blog Recent Posts
The Future of Health Care: Part 2
This past week I had to go to a local hospital and have a laproscopic procedure to repair an inguinal hernia. The operation went well and I was quizzed no fewer than six times about the nature and location of my surgery . (Apparently, they wanted to ease any concern I had about them operating on the wrong organ or the wrong side.)
The only hassle occurred after my surgery when I was detained for over an hour because the doctor failed to sign-off on my prescription medicine. I mention this information because it is symptomatic of the inefficiencies that continue to plague our health care system.
There is, however, hope on the way. In today’s Minneapolis Star Tribune today there is an informative article entitled ”Take two aspirin and e-mail me in the morning.” It discusses the enormous opportunity that exists within the health care system to save time and money if only more doctors (and patients) would agree to electronic consultations.
Now, no one is suggesting that personal doctor-to-patient meetings should be eliminated altogether, but as one doctor is quoted as saying “90% of what we do is not based on physical assessments.” In other words, much of a doctor’s business can be conducted electronically—at a substantially lower cost and in a manner that is more convenient for the patient. As proof, the article cites one innovative clinic in Portland, Oregon which is now treating 40% of its patients by e-mail.
A closer examination will reveal the huge potential. Here in Minnesota three facilities—Park Nicollet, HealthPartners and Fairview—only saw 1600 patients electronically in 2007. As readers of this blog well know, I’m a fan of exponential growth and I’d like to demonstrate the huge opportunity that awaits Minnesota citizens if those hospitals and clinics were to “jump the curve” and commit themselves to an “exponential e-mail/electronic” strategy.
In 2008, the number could grow to 3,200
In 2009—6,400
In 2010—12,800
In 2011—25,600
In 2012—51,200; and
In 2013—102,400
Just imagine the savings if within five years over 100,000 patients were being consulted electronically. It is possible, absolutely. For starters, more and more people—even the elderly—are becoming comfortable with computers. Add to this the continued advances in semiconductor and bandwidth capability and it is clear that electronic communication is only going to get better, faster and cheaper over the next half decade.
Secondly, new emerging technologies such as ”digital plastic” and advanced medical imaging will allow doctors to monitor a growing array of vital signs, including ECG, body temperature, respiration and physical activity. This means more patients can be monitored and consulted electronically for a greater range of health issues.
Third, due to advances such as IBM and Duke Medical are pursuing in the field of online resources, a more digitalized health care information system will allow patients to find test results, send confidential information and even schedule appoitments. It will also allow doctors and nurses access to personal health profiles and clinical content.
Four, new technologies such as IBM’s ”Digital Patient Avatar” will allow doctors and nurses instant access to all of a patient’s medical information, including x-rays and past visits.
Finally, doctors must continue to harnass the growing power of online social networks, such as Imedix is pursuing, to assist patients make better health care decisions.
Combined all of these factors together and there is no reason to think that hospitals can’t generate significant savings over the next five years while, at the same time, providing patients with better and more timely information.
(Note: Part III of this series will look at the emerging role of robotics in the health care sector).
Related Posts
The Future of Health Care
Why the Health Care Sector Should Give a Rat’s Ass
Mayo Clinic Has Got Some Game
Hospitals Need to Get Plastered
Reality Stems Stem Cell Breakthrough
The Future of Organ Sales
Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business. He is also a frequent speaker on future technology and future trends, nanotechnology, innovation, change management and executive leadership to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and trade associations.
Enjoy this post? Bookmark at the following sites.
Medyum, Medyumlar, Cinler, Buyuler, Nazar, Fallar, Yildizname, Hipnoz, Telepati, Reankarnasyon, Horoskop, Yorum, Tarot, Palmistry, Numeroloji, Konusunda Lider Site..!
By medyum on 2008 12 23
Glad I stumbled into this article! Finally, got what I was looking for to put on my school report… Thanks for sharing this 
acne no more reviews
By acne no more on 2009 01 31
Resources like the one you mentioned here will be very useful to me! I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visiors will find that very useful.
Quit Smoking Pills
By Final smoke work on 2009 02 03
Dude.. I am not much into reading, but somehow I got to read lots of articles on your blog. Its amazing how interesting it is for me to visit you very often
Cigarrest scam
By Cigarest on 2009 02 03
Wow, I admire what you have done with this your blog. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well.
Best diet food delivery
By Diet meal on 2009 02 03
I admire the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer! I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. Thumbs up! incentive management software
By eim model on 2009 02 04
I can see that you are putting a lot of time and effort into your blog and detailed articles! I am deeply in love with every single piece of information you post here. Will be back often to read more updates! Resin Wicker Furniture
By Resin Wicker Furniture on 2009 02 08
Great post! I’m just starting out in community management/marketing media and trying to learn how to do it well - resources like this article are incredibly helpful. As our company is based in the US, it’s all a bit new to us. The example above is something that I worry about as well, how to show your own genuine enthusiasm and share the fact that your product is useful in this case dog allergies treatment
By dog food allergies on 2009 02 09
What a great post. What an inspiration for everyone who is asking ‘Where is all this stuff I’ve asked for?’ and getting frustrated. I am in love the way you express yourself, and I thank you for doing it with such passion and honest reflection. allergic rhinitis treatment
By hay fever treatment on 2009 02 09
I can see that you are putting a lot of time and effort into your blog and detailed articles! I am deeply in love with every single piece of information you post here. Will be back often to read more updates! dog heartworm treatment
By dog worms symptoms on 2009 02 09
Wait, you’re a lot like a friend of mine the website is good. it’s nice to know that i won’t have to delete anymore emails that aren’t of interest but honestly, you have offered lots of useful information.! diabetic retinopathy treatment
By laser eye surgery on 2009 02 11
You do have a point here I admire the stuff you post and the quality information you offer in your blog! Keep up the good work dude. stop snoring remedies
By snoring cure on 2009 02 11
Wow, I admire what you have done with this your blog. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. ragdoll cannon addicting games
By free game on 2009 02 15
Resources like the one you mentioned here will be very useful to me! I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visiors will find that very useful. Online Pharmacy No Prescription
By Online Pharmacy on 2009 02 24
I wasn’t aware of the many ripples and depth to this story until I surfed here through Google! Great job. Elite Women’s Healthcare
By Womens Healthcare on 2009 02 25
Amazing! Yes it is fantastic as you provide a clear picture of your biography.This is influential and provocative. I love checking the essential tips you put here. Have a nice day. Online Viagra
By Generic Viagra on 2009 02 26
You do have a point here. I have read a lot about this on other articles written by other people, but I must admit that you have proved your point here! Will be back to read more of your quality information!
Generic Viagra Facts
By Impotence Remedies on 2009 02 27
That is one great post. What an inspiration for everyone who is asking ‘Where is all this stuff I’ve asked for?’ and getting frustrated. I am in love the way you express yourself, and I thank you for doing it with such passion and honest reflection.
Buy Generic Viagra Online
By Generic Meds Informations on 2009 02 28
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. It’s the old what goes around comes around routine. Did you acquired lots of links and I see a lot of trackbacks?
Fast Weight Loss Tips
By Fitness Training Tips on 2009 02 28
Your article on health care is very informative
Thanks
By Prolotherapy on 2008 03 05