The Prognosis of
Healthcare Technology
Much as Apple Inc. revolutionized how consumers purchased music through its iTunes technology,
and Amazon Inc. changed the face of content and product delivery, health information technology is
poised to change the face and function of healthcare delivery. The transformation, in fact, is already
happening – and as it continues, requirements for healthcare real estate will also change.
Definitions and Explanations
Whether called health tech or health information
technology (health IT), what the concept consists of are
various technologies integrating electronic healthcare
with exchanges among patients, providers, government
agencies and insurers. The overall goal of health IT is
more efficient healthcare delivery, decreased costs, fewer
medical errors, increased administrative efficiencies, and
better patient access to affordable healthcare.
Though the industry is at the beginning of using health
IT effectively, the technologies have already brought
about some shifts in the preconception of what, exactly, is
considered to be healthcare real estate. While professional
medical buildings still exist, technology allows for healthcare
providers to access records from a laptop or tablet. This
mobility means that providers can offer services just about
anywhere, from a suite of rental offices to retail storefronts.
Challenges and Solutions
Health IT is already helping the industry meet and beat
several challenges.
Healthcare Delivery
The U.S. faces huge challenges in delivering efficient and
high-quality health services, as patient demand continues
to outpace provider supply. Additionally, according to the
latest data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
(CMS), U.S. healthcare spending reached $3.0 trillion, or
$9,523 per person.
To help cut costs and boost delivery, patients are starting
to take care in their own hands, with the following health
IT resources:
>
>
Provider platforms and portals that offer secured
information to patients such as upcoming
appointments, test results, wellness advice and
billing.
>
>
Telemedicine platforms, such as Healthiest You,
which allow patients with minor ailments (such as
a cold or flu) to obtain diagnoses over the phone
from registered nurses and qualified MDs. These
healthcare providers can then contact the patient’s
pharmacy of choice with the correct antibiotic,
cough medicine or ear drops.
>
>
Wellness websites, including
mayoclinic.com,that
offer a complete breakdown of symptoms,
treatments and when to call a doctor. Armed with
this information, patients can determine if their
condition is serious enough to warrant a visit to
their healthcare providers.
When patients better understand their own symptoms
and issues, they aren’t taking up space in waiting areas for
minor ailments. This also could lead to smaller provider
offices, and boost provider mobility to satellite locations.
12 | Cushman &Wakefield