High Tech Health Care

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 4, 2012

As we move more and more into a global high tech society, it only makes sense that the health care system follow suit. The ability to access vital patient information in a faster more efficient way could prove indispensable in the years to come. Our society is aging and with that, the stress on the health care system to provide quality and timely care.  With programs like 'MyEHealth.com', 'PatientsLikeMe.com' already working, it is just a matter of time before all agencies look to the Internet for a more modern approach. 

An ambulance arrives to find a patient unconscious and no one is around to provide vital health information. The 'EMT' scans the patients health card (like a QR code) and on his 'tablet', he is able to see that the patient has an existing heart condition and is on medications. The patients family doctor's name, list of medications and recent hospitalizations show up for the EMT to see. He is then able to provide the correct treatment and save precious time. On route  the hospital, the EMT is able to transmit his results and information to the admission department which in turn saves time once the patient has arrived at the hospital. 

Through this scenario, money is saved in several ways. From the streamlined paperwork to the ability of knowing what the current treatment is and what else may be required. Doctors can utilize this type of system to aid in prescribing medications and being able to see right away if there are any interactions or symptoms that may arise from the treatment. 


This is the future of health care whether we want it or not. Having computers is a fact of life and it is the normal progression in global survival. Utilizing the web for health care measures can be invaluable for travelling to other countries as well. The medical system in the country being visited would be able to access the patient information in their language and provide correct treatment and save countless wasted dollars on unnecessary treatments or tests. 


The world is becoming smaller and more connected because of the Internet and it is just makes sense that the health care system follow suit. This is the first step to global unity. 


It may seem far fetched right now, but it is in it's infancy and growing fast. As applications grow, so to will the dependency on the web for medicine.

MRI....CHRONIC ILLNESS UPDATE

After waiting for years and years (started Sept 2007), I'm FINALLY having a lumbar spine MRI. When I was in my early 20's I had a Spinal Tap to check for menighetis and it is now the location that is literally the pain of my existence. 


It's the one missing piece to the medical puzzle that I'm certain the Canadian Govt has been waiting for in order to vote in my favor for Canada Pension Disability. I haven't been able to work since the above dated and my health has continued to degrade to the point it is today.


The chronic pain syndrome, the fibromyalgia, the meniere's disease, the osteoarthritis, chronic manic depression and of course let's not forget the IBS and an undiagnosed stomach issue (down almost 40 lbs since August due to stomach issues) just didn't seem to be enough for them to make a judgement on. 


Of course the worst part of the MRI is the MRI itself. Since I'm so claustrophobic, the only way to get me anywhere near that damn machine is by making me completely and utterly medically stoned :)


So off we go to Royal Columbian Hospital and the trusted radiologist (have to say that for my own mental state lol) and in the loving and safe arms of my husband. He is so my rock and my biggest support mentally, physically and emotionally. He is my hero no matter what he thinks. I likely would've taken my own life by now if it wasn't for him. He keeps reminding me that just because I have chronic illnesses, constant pain and anguish, that I still have his love, the love of our family and friends and that sun always shines. (even if it looks like water droplets lol )


Wish me luck, my blogger buddies.