For most of the health care we need, a smartphone might be enough. And American Well is banking on us realizing that.
Source: Your Next Doctor’s Visit Might Be Through An iPhone – Forbes
Being able to consult with a doctor on the phone is a huge time-saver and something I have done for years. You don’t have to be rich either, you just have to find a doctor who is open to it.
What is even better with this kind of service is that you can get help when your primary doctor is off enjoying life or taking a vacation. I have wondered why it has taken so long for something as important as medicine to come to the iPhone. I understand that doctors feel that they lose control of the situation, but many people who are in remote areas under-served by medical doctors, or those who are poor and don’t have access to easy transportation would benefit from this. It would be a wonderful service for those as well who don’t speak the majority language so that they could have their concerns translated automatically.
What is surprising is that doctors who do telemedicine now don’t get paid or get paid peanuts for it. I would think insurance companies would love the cost savings that this would provide. I bet a wide variety of common problems could be diagnosed over the phone, and that would leave a higher cost in person visit as a luxury and another tier of service. I think doctors are stuck in what is easy and expect customers come to them. I like the old-time country doctor that travels to visit the patient. Well instead of a horse and buggy, you actually have a phone which probably is better for the environment. Less oats for sure.
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