It was “kind of sci-fi.” New Technology

Hi readers I wanted to share some info on video chatting with my physician. Being a City of Chicago employee once a year I receive a packet from the Benefits Office going over my family’s health care coverage. If nothing has changed as far as our address or doctors I usually just recycle the packets that come. However, this time was different this time something new was being introduced to me as a consumer. It was “kind of sci-fi.”

Could it be that the same forces that have made instant messaging and video calls part of daily life for many Americans are now shaking up basic medical care? Yes, it’s true! health systems and insurers are rushing to offer video consultations for routine ailments, they must be convinced they will save money and relieve pressure on overextended primary care systems in cities and rural areas alike.

The real beauty of these applications is that, collectively, they are creating a more competitive marketplace for health and wellness services. More competition typically means better results and lower costs. Telemedicine, and remote healthcare in general, lower costs by increasing preventative care, reducing time to access, and reducing fuel consumption by eliminating unnecessary trips to a medical practice. These apps and sites and others like them are truly revolutionizing healthcare.

Concerned over privacy? Don’t fret, when a medical diagnoses and treatment are offered through an application or website, the platform must be HIPAA-compliant. That means any information and images you share with your health professional must be stored and transmitted in a way that meets federal guidelines set for your safety and privacy.

As a frequent Immediate Care user are more people like me a mother of two children somewhat fluent in Skype and FaceTime and eager for cheaper, more convenient medical care willing to step away from the safe umbrella of physically seeing our friendly local physician? For me the answer is yes.