From my August 6 newspaper’s ‘Today in History’ feature: “1991 - World Wide Web makes public debut.”
Doesn’t seem that long ago, does it? I mean, I have underwear that’s older!
(Maybe that ‘bares’ explaining. When we shut down the family underwear business - even before Al Gore worked his magic - I set aside a lifetime supply of boxers and T-shirts; all those years ago, I had a 28” waist, proving I ain’t Nostradamus!)
Back on point.
Think how the WWW has changed everything; shopping on line, with purchases – heck, even dinner tonight – conveniently delivered to your doorstep.
Now think about the impact of the WWW on health care.
Take just telemedicine.
During a pandemic, would you rather go to an ER for your sore throat, or use the $ 0 Co-Pay telemedicine feature now included with many of our health plans? (C’mon, that’s not a trick question.) Convenient as it may be, sources tell me
< 20% of enrollees actually access ‘traditional’ virtual care.
One company however, will follow up the virtual visit with at home services; like lab work for that sore throat (protocol often suggests a strep culture, anyway). How about an X-Ray for an injured ankle. Repeat; at your home and
still with $ 0 Co-Pay.
Not surprisingly utilization for what might be called Virtual 2.0 is north of 70%.
Seems like patients, and self-funded employers are lovin’ this breakthrough.
Prescient Presidents (of health insurance companies) should get on board, too!
How? (Cue it up!)
