SUBSCRIBE TO E-NEWSLETTERReport: Mobile devices will save U.S. billions in healthcare costs
The increase in the use of mobile computing devices is changing many industries, including health care. That’s going to significantly improve care and cut costs, according to a recent report.
Organizations are using mobile technology for a variety of programs. The most common, according to a recent report from Brookings Institution:
- Setting up call centers to respond to patient inquiries
- Sending text messages to remind patients about appointments
- Creating telehealth programs and monitoring patients remotely
- Viewing patient records
Using mobile devices for remote patient monitoring is one area the Brookings report sees a lot of potential for improving care and reducing costs. The report estimates remote patient monitoring could save as much as $197 billion in the U.S. over the next 25 years.
Remote monitoring is especially helpful for patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. For example, some patients use devices that monitor glucose levels, transmit that data to doctors, and alert patients when they need to undertake glucose tests.
Other common healthcare tools on mobile devices include applications that offer information to help patients stop smoking and tools to remind people to take medication. Remote monitoring is also effective in expanding care to reach patients in rural areas that are far from healthcare facilities.
Several studies conducted around the globe have found mobile tools to be helpful in improving care and outcomes and that patients are eager to get more access to mobile healthcare, according to the Brookings report. To learn more, download the report here.
Related posts:
- Experts predict more lawsuits, data breaches against healthcare providers in 2012
- The Essentials of Mobile Computing in 2012
- Enabling Mobility for Healthcare Professionals
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