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August 27, 2009

Ryan Peters: Teaming up for eHealth

By RYAN PETERS

The eHealth initiative for 2009 is high on the list for stimulus funding this year. Roughly $20 billion of the total $787 will be allocated to a joint healthcare plan, much of it to focus on information technology. The sweet spot for eHealth emphasizes technologies that can electronically consolidate medical records for the health community.

The question is, what's the best way to accomplish this? Distance to medical facilities is a big logistical challenge.

Teleradiology is an emerging medical practice for new treatments in the mobile healthcare community. These new medical applications are gaining popularity within the Pathology, Oncology and Intensive Care sectors. Pathologists utilize these applications in remote visits to monitor patients' blood chemistry and vital signs. Once recognized, they send reports back to the radiologist in a digital slide format to determine the best treatment for the patient.

The medical technology sector is introducing new tools and applications for treating infectious diseases. Innovative new companies are looking to the medical community to collaborate with colleagues to better understand and customize treatment planning care with more available information. In some applications, teleradiology is at the forefront of neuro-cancer treatment. These non-intrusive treatments can fight cancerous nodes that would otherwise require intrusive brain trauma from surgery. Even laser treatments are being introduced for stubborn wart removal.

The United Nations heads much of our planet's health initiatives in collaboration with the World Bank. Together they help millions of people by pooling resources and manpower to aid the under-privileged and suffering around the world. Celebrities also do a good job of creating awareness in the form of publicity and health foundations. The "H20 Africa Foundation" for clean village drinking water was co-founded by actor Matt Damon. The Starbright Children's Foundation is another global group created by director Steven Spielberg to raise awareness for children who suffer with prolonged injuries and illnesses. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is another great example of people who care and are willing to help in amazing ways.

Communication is imperative to determine what works and what doesn't for rural areas.

Recently, three of the world's largest commercial satellites were launched into orbit. This should be a good indicator, as wireless communications will continue to be paramount for developing communities. Field physicians can better understand remote patient needs by carrying more hospital resources in their medical bags. This is one of several ways to leverage technology for patient care advancements in remote settings.

Hopefully physicians can utilize some of these new technology applications to fight the swine flu virus. The Center for Disease Control and local hospitals can use metering devices to expedite blood work and better contain the infected.

For me, photon guns off Star Trek are about as techie as I get..."Beam me up, Scotty."

Ryan Peters is a technology journalist who can be found online at http://contactryan.wordpress.com

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