Does wireless health reduce healthcare costs? Jitterbug’s David Inns noted that there are some very simple things the industry can do to improve outcomes and reduce care. He noted that their service of an RN by phone service has resulted in reduced health care costs. Patients have leveraged the RN calls as an alternative to a physician or ER visit.
What will get consumers into Best Buy to purchase a specialized phone to support wireless health? The issue is not the technology or making the products (both already exist), the question is who drives demand? David noted that health care providers, payors or perhaps employers could eventually drive that demand. Another question: Is Best Buy a health care brand or channel? Will consumers want the Geek Squad setting up their elderly parent’s wireless health system? Qualcomm’s Don Jones noted that this is where simplicity comes to the fore. Products and business models that are very simple will have a greater likelihood of success. The examples Don used preclude the need to deal with Best Buy or anyone — the device comes via the mail or UPS and is applied and used by the user themselves — which simplicity makes possible.
Will wireless health be cellular or WiFi-based? Don said he has weekly conversations with medical device manufacturers who think their products will leverage home broadband connections and Wi-Fi. What they forget is the $300 installation cost. These systems have a 50 percent installation failure rate with consumers. And you also have ongoing service and support issues. This approach is a poor match for the target demographic, the “silver tsunami.” Don suggested that the complexity of the broadband/Wi-Fi approach is an argument for using cellular connectivity. (However, complaints about the iPhone’s current exclusivity to AT&T’s network, often stemming from coverage limitations, demonstrate that cellular connectivity is not a panacea.)
What about privacy concerns and wireless health? The ATA’s Jon Linkous said this was a bogus issue, and that he could put on a white lab coat and go into any hospital in San Diego and come out with a dozen medical records. Many people in Washington D.C. as well as consumers, do not have a realistic or informed perception of privacy issues, Jon said.
A question from the audience was: When will wireless health really break out, with appropriate reimbursement and a regulatory framework? Jon said that the day is coming soon when those challenges are finally overcome.
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