Health Care FAQsHealth Care FAQs

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a type of healthcare technology that allows patients to be monitored remotely, outside of a hospital or clinic setting. RPM systems typically involve the use of wearable devices or other sensors that collect data about a patient’s health, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or blood sugar levels. This data is then transmitted to a healthcare provider, who can monitor the patient’s health remotely and provide care as needed.

RPM can be useful for patients with chronic conditions, who may need regular monitoring but do not need to be hospitalized. It can also be useful for patients who live in remote or underserved areas, where access to healthcare facilities may be limited. By allowing patients to be monitored remotely, RPM can help to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare, and to reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the trends of the next few years will play a large role in shaping the future of healthcare. Here are the top healthcare trends to watch for in 2023. 

1. Telehealth: The use of telehealth services has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and it is expected to continue to grow in 2023. Telehealth provides convenient access to care for patients and can reduce costs for providers. It is likely that telehealth services such as remote patient monitoring, virtual visits, and interactive patient portals will become even more common in the coming years. 
2. AI and Robotics: Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are becoming increasingly prevalent in the healthcare industry. AI technologies can help streamline processes and improve accuracy and efficiency, while robotics can help reduce the risk of human errors. In the coming years, AI and robotics are expected to be used even more widely in healthcare.
3. Wearable Devices: Wearable devices are already being used in healthcare to monitor and track patient health data. In 2023, this technology is expected to become even more sophisticated and integrated into care, allowing for more personalized and accurate healthcare.
4. Electronic Medical Records: Electronic medical records (EMRs) are an integral part of the healthcare system. In 2023, EMRs are expected to become even more integrated and automated, allowing for faster, more accurate, and more efficient care.
5. Virtual Reality: Virtual reality (VR) is already being used in healthcare to provide immersive, interactive experiences. In 2023, VR is expected to become even more prevalent, with applications in everything from training medical professionals to diagnosing and treating patients. These are just a few of the top healthcare trends to watch for in 2023. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is important to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies to ensure that your organization is prepared for the future.

Life science labs are research facilities that are used to study various aspects of biology and medicine. These labs are often associated with universities, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies, and they typically employ scientists and researchers who conduct experiments and research studies in a variety of areas related to life sciences.

Life science labs are typically equipped with a wide range of specialized equipment and technology, such as microscopes, centrifuges, and DNA sequencers. This equipment is used to conduct experiments, analyze data, and test hypotheses in order to advance our understanding of the biological and medical sciences. Life science labs play a critical role in driving scientific discovery and advancing the fields of biology and medicine.

Innovative home health is a term used to describe the use of new and emerging technologies to provide healthcare services in the home. This can include a range of technologies, such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and wearable medical devices.

Innovative home health is becoming increasingly important as the population ages and the demand for healthcare services grows. By providing healthcare in the home, innovative home health can improve the quality of care for patients, reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics, and make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Some examples of innovative home health technologies include telehealth platforms that allow patients to have virtual consultations with healthcare providers, remote patient monitoring systems that track a patient’s health data and alert healthcare providers to potential problems, and wearable devices that provide real-time health information to patients and their doctors.

These technologies are changing the way that healthcare is delivered and are helping to make healthcare more convenient, effective, and accessible.

As Harry Glorikian always says, “If the difference between evolution and revolution is the speed of change, then healthcare is now in the mode of revolutionary change.” 

It is debatable whether we are currently in a healthcare revolution. Some people argue that the rapid pace of technological innovation in healthcare, combined with changing consumer expectations and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, is leading to a fundamental transformation of the healthcare industry.

On the other hand, others argue that while there are certainly significant changes happening in healthcare, these changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The healthcare industry is highly complex and regulated, and changes often occur gradually over time.

Regardless of whether we are currently in a healthcare revolution, it is clear that the healthcare industry is undergoing significant changes. Advances in technology, shifts in consumer behavior, and the growing burden of chronic diseases are all leading to changes in the way that healthcare is delivered and accessed. These changes have the potential to greatly improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare, and to help people live healthier lives.

There are many advantages of technology in healthcare, including:

• Improved access to healthcare: Technology can make it easier for patients to access healthcare services, especially in remote or underserved areas. For example, telehealth technologies can allow patients to have virtual consultations with healthcare providers, without having to travel to a clinic or hospital.
• Better coordination and communication among healthcare providers: Technology can help healthcare providers to share and access patient information more easily, which can improve the coordination and effectiveness of care. For example, electronic health records can provide a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history and allow multiple healthcare providers to access and update this information in real-time.
• Enhanced quality of care: Technology can help healthcare providers to monitor patients more closely and to intervene earlier to prevent potential problems. For example, remote patient monitoring systems can track a patient’s health data and alert healthcare providers to potential issues, allowing them to provide timely and appropriate care.
• Reduced costs: Technology can help to reduce the cost of healthcare by increasing efficiency and reducing the need for costly hospitalizations and other medical procedures. For example, telehealth technologies can reduce the need for patients to travel to a clinic or hospital, and remote patient monitoring can help to prevent the need for costly emergency care.

Overall, the use of technology in healthcare has the potential to greatly improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare.

The three major digital challenges in the healthcare industry are access, cost, and privacy.

• Access refers to the ability of individuals to use digital healthcare technologies, which can be limited by factors such as the availability of broadband internet and the cost of technology.
• Cost is a major concern for both patients and healthcare providers, as digital healthcare technologies can be expensive to implement and maintain.
• Privacy is another important issue, as the use of digital healthcare technologies raises concerns about the security of personal health information.

These challenges are significant barriers to the widespread adoption of digital healthcare technologies, and addressing them will be critical to the success of the digital revolution in healthcare.

There are many sources of healthcare industry news, including websites, blogs, magazines, and news outlets. Some popular sources of healthcare industry news include:

• Modern Healthcare: This website offers news, analysis, and insights on the latest developments in the healthcare industry.
• Healthcare IT News: This website covers news and trends related to healthcare technology and innovation.
• Healthcare Dive: This website offers news and analysis on the latest developments in the healthcare industry, with a focus on policy, finance, and business.
• Health Affairs: This website offers news and analysis on healthcare policy, research, and practice.
• The New England Journal of Medicine: This is a leading medical journal that publishes research and commentary on a wide range of topics related to healthcare.

In addition to these sources, many healthcare providers and organizations also offer news and updates on their websites and social media channels. You can also search online for specific topics that you are interested in, or subscribe to newsletters and alerts to receive updates on the latest developments in the healthcare industry.

It is difficult to determine the best healthcare podcasts without access to current information. Some of the most popular and well-regarded healthcare podcasts in the past have included:

• The Harry Glorikian Show: This podcast covers topics that are bringing significant innovation to the sphere of healthcare.
• The Healthcare Insider: This podcast features interviews with leading healthcare experts and policymakers, and covers a wide range of topics related to healthcare policy, technology, and innovation.
• Healthcare Made Simple: This podcast is aimed at helping healthcare consumers understand the complex world of healthcare, and offers practical advice on how to navigate the healthcare system and make informed decisions about their health.
• The Big Fat Health Podcast: This podcast features interviews with healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients, and explores a wide range of health and wellness topics.
• The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman, M.D.: This podcast features interviews with leading doctors, researchers, and health experts, and focuses on the intersection of food, nutrition, and health.
• The Healthcare Guys: This podcast features interviews with leading healthcare experts and industry insiders, and covers a wide range of topics related to healthcare innovation and policy.

These are just a few examples of popular and well-regarded healthcare podcasts. There are many other podcasts that focus on healthcare and wellness, and the best podcasts will vary depending on individual preferences and interests.

A digital revolution in healthcare is the use of digital technologies to transform the way that healthcare is delivered and accessed. This can include a wide range of technologies, such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records.

The digital revolution in healthcare has the potential to greatly improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare. For example, telehealth technologies can make it possible for patients to receive care from a healthcare provider without having to travel to a clinic or hospital, which can be especially helpful for people living in remote or underserved areas.

Remote patient monitoring can help healthcare providers to monitor patients’ health more closely and to intervene earlier to prevent potential problems. And electronic health records can make it easier for healthcare providers to share and access patient information, which can improve the coordination and effectiveness of care.

Overall, the digital revolution in healthcare is enabling a more personalized, data-driven, and accessible approach to healthcare.

Telehealth is the use of technology, such as the internet and mobile devices, to provide healthcare services remotely. This can include a wide range of services, such as virtual consultations with healthcare providers, remote monitoring of patient’s health data, and the provision of health information and education.

Telehealth has the potential to greatly improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare, especially for people living in remote or underserved areas. By allowing patients to receive care from a healthcare provider without having to travel to a clinic or hospital, telehealth can make healthcare more convenient and accessible. It can also help to reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics, and to improve the coordination and effectiveness of care.

Overall, telehealth is an important part of the broader digital revolution in healthcare, and is enabling a more personalized, data-driven, and accessible approach to healthcare.

To use telehealth, an individual would typically need to have access to a device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and a reliable internet connection. They would then need to contact a healthcare provider that offers telehealth services and schedule a virtual consultation.

During the consultation, the patient and healthcare provider would use video conferencing software, such as Skype or FaceTime, to communicate with each other. The healthcare provider would ask the patient about their symptoms and medical history, and would conduct a virtual examination as needed. The healthcare provider would then provide the patient with appropriate treatment or advice, and would follow up with them as needed.

Telehealth consultations are typically conducted in real-time, but they can also be conducted asynchronously, with the patient and healthcare provider communicating through a secure messaging platform. Telehealth consultations are typically covered by insurance, and the cost is similar to that of in-person consultations.

Overall, using telehealth is similar to using traditional in-person healthcare services, but it allows the patient and healthcare provider to communicate and interact remotely, using technology.

Digital therapeutics are software-based interventions that are designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions. These interventions can take the form of apps, websites, or other digital tools that use technology to deliver evidence-based treatments and support to patients.

Digital therapeutics can be used to address a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and behavioral disorders. They can be used as stand-alone treatments, or in combination with other forms of therapy or medication.

Some examples of digital therapeutics include apps that help patients to manage their diabetes, websites that provide cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals with anxiety or depression, and virtual reality programs that are used to treat phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Overall, digital therapeutics is an important part of the broader digital revolution in healthcare, and has the potential to greatly improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare.

An example of a digital therapeutic is an app that helps patients to manage their diabetes. This app might allow patients to track their blood sugar levels, record their medication and exercise regimen, and set goals for managing their condition. The app might also provide education and support, such as information about healthy eating and exercise, and might connect patients with other people who are managing diabetes.

This app would be considered a digital therapeutic because it uses technology to deliver evidence-based treatment and support to patients with diabetes. It would be designed and tested to ensure that it is safe and effective, and would be used in combination with other forms of therapy or medication as appropriate.

Yes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be treated with a digital therapeutic. Digital therapeutics are software-based interventions that are designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions, and they can be used to address a wide range of conditions, including ADHD.

Digital therapeutics for ADHD can take the form of apps, websites, or other digital tools that use technology to deliver evidence-based treatments and support to patients. For example, an app might provide cognitive behavioral therapy for individuals with ADHD, or it might allow patients to track their symptoms and medication regimen.

Digital therapeutics can be used as stand-alone treatments, or in combination with other forms of therapy or medication. They are typically covered by insurance, and the cost is similar to that of in-person treatments. Overall, digital therapeutics have the potential to greatly improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare for individuals with ADHD.

To see one that has been FDA cleared for treating ADHD in children see here…

The top 4 recent healthcare innovations are:

It is difficult to determine the top four recent healthcare innovations without access to current information. The field of healthcare is constantly evolving, and new innovations are being developed and implemented all the time. Some examples of recent innovations in healthcare include:

• Telehealth: The use of technology, such as the internet and mobile devices, to provide healthcare services remotely.
• Remote patient monitoring: The use of sensors and wearable devices to track a patient’s health data and alert healthcare providers to potential problems.
• Digital therapeutics: Software-based interventions that are designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions.
• Precision medicine: An approach to healthcare that uses genomics and other technologies to tailor treatments to an individual’s unique characteristics.

These are just a few examples of recent innovations in healthcare. There are many other innovations that are being developed and implemented, and the top innovations will vary depending on individual preferences and interests.

Yes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be treated with video games. While video games are often associated with sedentary behavior and screen time, research has shown that certain types of video games can be used to improve attention and focus in individuals with ADHD.

These types of video games, known as attention-based or cognitive training games, are designed to challenge and engage the brain, and to improve cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and decision-making. They are typically used in combination with other forms of therapy or medication, and are typically prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.

Digital therapeutics have played a big role in developing software solutions for behavioral disorders, including ADHD. In fact, there is an action game called EndeavorRX, which is an FDA-approved tool for treating ADHD in kids. You can learn more about video games for ADHD here.

No, digital health is not a dead end. Digital health is the use of technology, such as the internet and mobile devices, to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare. It encompasses a wide range of technologies and applications, from telehealth and remote patient monitoring, to digital therapeutics and precision medicine.

Digital health is a rapidly growing field, and is enabling a more personalized, data-driven, and accessible approach to healthcare. It has the potential to greatly improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare, and to help people live healthier lives.

Despite the many benefits of digital health, there are also challenges and limitations. For example, digital health technologies can be expensive to implement and maintain, and there are concerns about the security and privacy of personal health information. Additionally, not everyone has equal access to digital health technologies, and there are still many barriers to the widespread adoption of these technologies.

Overall, while digital health is not a “dead end,” it is a complex and evolving field, and addressing its challenges and limitations will be critical to its success and impact on healthcare.

There are several disadvantages of digital health, including:

• Cost: Digital health technologies can be expensive to implement and maintain, which can be a barrier to their widespread adoption.
• Access: Not everyone has equal access to digital health technologies, due to factors such as availability of broadband internet and the cost of technology.
• Privacy: The use of digital health technologies raises concerns about the security and privacy of personal health information.
• Fragmentation: The digital health landscape is complex and fragmented, with many different technologies and stakeholders. This can make it difficult for patients and healthcare providers to navigate and integrate these technologies into their care.
• Regulation: The regulation of digital health technologies is still developing, and there are many uncertainties and inconsistencies. This can create challenges for innovation and adoption.

Overall, while digital health has many potential benefits, there are also significant challenges and limitations that need to be addressed in order for it to achieve its full potential.

The best wearable technologies for healthcare will vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Some examples of wearable technologies that are commonly used in healthcare include:

• Fitness trackers: These devices track physical activity, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. They can be useful for monitoring overall health and fitness, and for setting and achieving health and wellness goals.
• Heart rate monitors: These devices track the user’s heart rate, and can be useful for monitoring heart health and for detecting potential problems.
• Blood pressure monitors: These devices track the user’s blood pressure, and can be useful for monitoring blood pressure and for detecting potential problems.
• Sleep monitors: These devices track the user’s sleep patterns, and can be useful for detecting sleep disorders and for improving sleep quality.

In addition to these wearable technologies, there are also many other wearable devices that are designed for specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, and mental health conditions. These devices can be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider, and can provide valuable information and support to individuals with these conditions.

A wearable device in healthcare is a small, portable device that can be worn on the body to monitor a person’s health and provide useful information to help them manage their condition. 

Wearable devices in healthcare can include a wide range of technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, activity trackers, and smart watches. These devices can provide real-time data on a person’s health, such as their blood sugar levels, heart rate, and physical activity, and can help people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, better manage their health. 

Wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry, and are helping to improve patient outcomes and make it easier for people to manage their health.

The best wearables for tracking health will vary depending on an individual’s specific needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and effective wearables for tracking health include:

• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): These devices are worn on the body and continuously measure a person’s blood sugar levels, providing real-time data that can help people with diabetes better manage their condition.
• Insulin pumps: These devices are small, wearable pumps that deliver insulin to the body on a continuous basis, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Activity trackers: Many people use activity trackers, such as fitness bands or smartwatches, to monitor their physical activity and track their daily exercise. This can help them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and better manage their health.
• Smart watches: Some smart watches, such as the Apple Watch, have built-in features that can be useful for tracking health. 

Overall, the best wearable for tracking health will depend on an individual’s specific needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine the best device for you.

There are several metrics that you can track with a wearable device, such as a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Some examples of common metrics that these devices can track include:

• Steps taken
• Distance traveled
• Calories burned
• Sleep quality
• Heart rate and HRV
• Blood pressure (with a blood pressure cuff)
• Oxygen levels in the blood
• Weight

These are just some examples of the metrics that you can track with a wearable device. The specific metrics that are available to you will depend on the features of your device. It’s important to choose the metrics that are most relevant and meaningful to you, so that you can use the data to improve your health and fitness.

Wearable technology in healthcare has several potential benefits, including:

• Improved patient monitoring and care: Wearable devices can provide real-time data on a patient’s health status, allowing healthcare providers to closely monitor their condition and provide timely care.
• Early detection of health problems: By tracking important health metrics, wearable devices can help identify potential health issues before they become more serious.
• Increased patient engagement: Wearable technology can help patients take an active role in their own healthcare, by providing them with easy access to their health data and encouraging them to make healthy lifestyle choices.
• Reduced healthcare costs: Wearable technology can help reduce the need for expensive medical procedures and hospital stays by enabling earlier intervention and improved management of chronic conditions.
• Improved health outcomes: By providing patients with more information and support, wearable technology can help them make healthier choices and ultimately improve their health outcomes.

There are some potential disadvantages to wearable technology in healthcare, including:

• Privacy concerns: Wearable devices collect sensitive personal health data, which raises concerns about privacy and data security.
• High cost: Some wearable devices can be expensive, which may make them inaccessible to some people.
• Potential for misuse: Wearable technology can be used to monitor and control people without their consent, which raises ethical concerns.

It is difficult to predict the exact role that wearable technology will play in the future of healthcare. While wearables have the potential to improve patient monitoring and care, and to support healthier lifestyles, there are also significant challenges to overcome. These include concerns about privacy and data security, the accuracy of the data collected by wearable devices, and the potential for misuse. 

In order to fully realize the potential of wearable technology in healthcare, it will be important to address these challenges and to develop regulations and standards that ensure the safety and effectiveness of these devices.

Big data in healthcare refers to the large amounts of data that are generated by electronic health records, medical devices, and other sources. This data includes a wide range of information, such as patient demographics, medical histories, diagnostic test results, and treatment outcomes. 

By analyzing this data, healthcare organizations can identify trends, patterns, and correlations that can help improve the quality and effectiveness of healthcare. For example, big data can be used to identify factors that are associated with poor health outcomes, so that healthcare providers can target interventions to those at greatest risk. 

Big data can also be used to develop predictive models that can help identify patients who are likely to develop certain conditions, so that they can receive early intervention and treatment.

There are several potential benefits of using big data in healthcare, including:

• Improved patient care: By analyzing large amounts of data, healthcare organizations can identify trends and patterns that can help them provide more personalized and effective care to patients. For example, big data can be used to identify factors that are associated with poor health outcomes, so that healthcare providers can target interventions to those at greatest risk.
• Increased efficiency: Big data can help healthcare organizations make more informed decisions about how to allocate resources and streamline processes, which can lead to more efficient and cost-effective care.
• Enhanced research and development: By analyzing large datasets, researchers can identify new associations and correlations that can help advance our understanding of disease and the effectiveness of different treatments. This can ultimately lead to the development of new and better treatments for a wide range of health conditions.
• Improved public health: By analyzing population-level data, public health officials can identify trends and patterns that can help them develop and implement more effective public health interventions. For example, big data can be used to identify clusters of infectious diseases, so that public health officials can target interventions to those areas.
• Enhanced patient engagement: Big data can be used to provide patients with easy access to their health information and tools to help them manage their own health. This can help empower patients and encourage them to take an active role in their own care.

Data is important in healthcare for several reasons. 

First and foremost, data can be used to enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare by delivering useful information to healthcare professionals, making them better equipped to make educated decisions about patients. For example, data can be used to identify trends and patterns in patient health, which can help healthcare providers tailor treatments to the specific needs of individual patients. 

Data can also be used to identify factors that are associated with poor health outcomes, so that healthcare providers can develop interventions to prevent or mitigate those risks.

In addition, data can be used to increase the efficiency of healthcare by providing organizations with the information they need to make more informed decisions about how to allocate resources and streamline processes. This can help reduce healthcare costs and improve access to care.

Finally, data can be used to support research and development in the healthcare field, by providing researchers with the information they need to identify new associations and correlations that can help advance our understanding of disease and the effectiveness of different treatments. This can ultimately lead to the development of new and better treatments for a wide range of health conditions.

Some common sources of healthcare data include:

• Electronic health records (EHRs): EHRs are digital records of patient health information that are generated and maintained by healthcare providers. EHRs typically include a wide range of information, such as demographics, medical histories, diagnostic test results, and treatment plans.
• Medical claims data: Medical claims data are records of the healthcare services that are provided to patients and the payments that are made for those services. This data is typically generated by health insurance companies and can be used to identify trends and patterns in healthcare utilization and costs.
• Patient-generated health data (PGHD): PGHD refers to the health data that is generated by patients themselves, typically through the use of wearable devices and smartphone apps. This data can include metrics such as physical activity levels, sleep quality, and heart rate.

These are just some examples of common healthcare data sources. Other important sources of healthcare data include administrative data, clinical trial data, and public health data.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) varies widely around the world. In some countries, the vast majority of healthcare providers use EHRs, while in others the use of EHRs is relatively limited. In general, the adoption of EHRs is more common in developed countries, where healthcare systems are better funded and more technologically advanced.

In the United States, for example, the adoption of EHRs has increased significantly in recent years, with many healthcare providers now using these systems to manage patient records. In 2018, 87% of office-based physicians in the United States reported using EHRs, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

In other parts of the world, the adoption of EHRs is less common. For example, in some low- and middle-income countries, the use of EHRs is limited by a lack of infrastructure and funding. However, many of these countries are working to increase the use of EHRs and other digital health technologies, in order to improve the quality and efficiency of their healthcare systems.

Many research organizations, such as universities and hospitals, collect and analyze healthcare data as part of their research activities. These data may be available through the organizations’ websites or through published research studies.

In addition to these sources, there are many online databases and platforms that provide access to healthcare data from a wide range of sources. Examples include the Health Data Consortium and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.

Precision medicine is a medical treatment approach that considers individual differences in people’s genes, environment, and lifestyle before. This allows doctors to tailor treatments to each person, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Precision medicine is often used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, where it can help doctors identify the specific genetic changes that are driving a patient’s cancer and develop targeted therapies to treat it.

One of the main benefits of precision medicine is that it allows doctors to tailor treatments to individual patients, taking into account their unique genes, environment, and lifestyle. This can lead to more effective treatments and better outcomes for patients. 

Precision medicine can also help doctors to better predict which treatments will be most effective for a particular patient, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches to treatment. Overall, the goal of precision medicine is to improve the effectiveness of medical treatment and provide better outcomes for patients.