Aside from Obamacare . . .

What’s New in Healthcare?

UK HealthSecretary Jeremy Hunt is planning a technological revolution that could spell the end of the traditional doctor’s surgery.

A new system of “virtual clinics” is being planned in which GPs connect with patients via iPads and Skype, an idea that NHS bosses are importing from India.

The reforms would save £2.9billion “almost immediately” and improve the lives of most patients, for example by avoiding the need to find child care during appointments, Health Minister Dr. Dan Poulter said last week.

However, critics are concerned the initiative would create a two-tier NHS in which the less technologically able, particularly the elderly, would be left behind.

Testing for TB in New Delhi, India

Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham called the plan “dangerous”, while Age UK said cutting the number of personal appointments would erode the vital trust between doctor and patient.

Patients would be encouraged not to attend GPs’ surgeries, firstly by telephone assessments and then by video links. NHS bosses have been examining practices in India where video-conferencing has proved successful with some patients.

In a Westminster debate last week, Dr Poulter said 15 million people with long-term conditions accounted for 70 per cent of all in-patient beds. “Many such ­hospital stays could be avoided through better management, including the better use of mobile technologies, to prevent people from becoming so unwell in the first place that they need to be admitted to hospital.

Virtual Reality Operating Room Education

“We need to harness and better utilize more modern types of technology such as telehealth and mobile technology to support people better in their own homes and to drive down the cost of care.

“About one-third of patients do not necessarily need a face-to-face GP appointment.” In a statement to the Sunday Express, he stated: “It is important to stress that patients who are unwell and need to see their GP will still always have quality face-to-face time with them.

Healthcare Information Exchange

“The Government also recognizes that not everyone, particularly frail older people, will have easy access to the internet.”

However, Age UK’s boss Michelle Mitchell warned: “Many people of all ages still prefer human contact.

“It also gives the medical professional the chance to recognize health issues that may not be obvious from a distance.”

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: “The telehealth agenda must be driven by a desire to improve clinical outcomes and patient care, not the Government’s plans to save £20billion.”

A Telemedicine Station

Mr. Burnham warned: “Older people who don’t have access to the internet will lose out.”

Can you imagine how that would “play out” in America?

In America, we have guaranteed RIGHTS, given to all of us by the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and if we want to be able to give up our valuable time and sit for 90 minutes (or more) in a doctor’s office waiting to see the doctor for 12-15 minutes, then damn well better not have that “right” taken away no matter how much money it saves.

While you may smile at my sarcasm, you must admit that the world is rapidly changing and our lives are rapidly changing as well due to technology.  But, it is even more interesting that this idea for doctors came from INDIA. 

How will you want increasing 

healthcare costs to be managed?