Tackling a health care crisis with wireless technology

Posted: 06/29/09 by Mobile Future Team

A few months ago, President Obama sounded the alarm on our nation's health care crisis.  "The biggest threat to our nation's balance sheet," he said, " is the skyrocketing price of health care."
 
Millions of Americans are all-too aware of how costly our dysfunctional health care system has become. Today, half of all U.S. bankruptcies are the result of medical expenses. Last year, an estimated 1.5 million families lost their homes because of medical bills. Currently, health care accounts for $1 in every $6 spend in the U.S. -- and costs are climbing at twice the rate of inflation.
 
The problem of rising costs is clear. Fortunately, the search for solutions is spurring innovative and creative thinking. It's also driving exciting collaboration between the medical and wireless industries.
 
One example: medical providers and physicians are working with wireless technology companies to reduce the costs and impact of chronic diseases.
 
Each year, 1.7 million Americans die of chronic disease. More than 133 millions Americans - 49% of our population - have at least one chronic disease.  Though seventy-five cents of every health care dollar is spent treating chronic disease, these conditions account for more that $1 trillion in lost productivity annually. Tragically, less that 1% of total health care spending goes toward prevention of chronic conditions.
 
Although these statistics are staggering, wireless technology holds the potential for widespread change and significant improvement.  More than 260 million Americans have mobile phones, which can be used for remote monitoring of patients.  Monitoring those with chronic diseases could save $197 billion in direct costs over the next 25 years by reducing emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and the length of stays in hospitals.
 
An exciting tool for change is already in the hands of most Americans.  The mobile platform has the power connect doctors with patients and to drive behavior changes and improved health monitoring. Mobile health care will be one of many solutions necessary to address our growing health care crisis and improve the lives of millions.