2015 A YEAR IN REVIEW better software will provide a better video chat experience than before . 2 . With mobile devices , patients can consult a doctor from anywhere 3 . The adoption of electronic health records makes it easier for doctors to access patient records 4 . Patients are comfortable with asynchronous messaging , which can be more time-efficient for doctors From the provider ’ s perspective , telemedicine has the potential to save money and make better use of time . And from a patient ’ s perspective , telemedicine means shorter wait times and ease of access .
While the youth would seem most likely to use technology for health care , telemedicine could also have a major impact on the older generation as they are more likely to have difficulty traveling to see a doctor in person .
In the last few years , more and more patients have increasingly looked to retail pharmacies in their neighborhoods for routine health care services because it ’ s more convenient than visiting their doctor . The logical next step is that they won ’ t have to leave their homes at all . This is where telemedicine comes in .
Thanks to startups like Doctors on Demand , Medicast and Twine Health , consumers are already being allowed direct access to doctors through their smartphones . In the future , providers may partner with platforms such as these to connect their doctors with patients .
Telemedicine has the capability to not only become an investment opportunity , but a trend that can improve the doctorpatient relationship as well .
The promise of telemedicine has been heard before , but it looks as though this year that promise is set to be realized . Consumers are excited to receive the service and providers finally have both the financial incentive and technological capability to make it a reality .
3D Printing becomes the latest craze The world is being taken over by 3D printing . A major global provider of 3D printed orthopedic implants , U . S . -based company 4WEB Medical , has teamed up with its Australian partner LifeHealthcare to perform its first Aussie patient specific implant surgery last month in the Queensland city of Brisbane .
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