After more than five years since we lobbied for a better medical malpractice system in the Show-Me State, occasionally we observe a stark reminder of just how far and fast our medical, biotechnological, and genomic systems are advancing. Normally, through working with current and former lobbying clients like the Monsanto Company, AT&T, and the Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists, we can feel like our knowledge is updated, contemporary, and forward-looking.
However, the convergent technologies used with iphone devices, wireless communication, and vital life indicators all featured in this 15 minute video represented a brave new world for me.
For Missouri physicians, surgeons, dentists, and supervising care team leaders, imagine the numerous possibilities. For Missouri hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and rural health clinics, consider the changing landscape for how care could be accessed in remote locations. For patients and consumers, behold some real promises to improve patient safety, early intervention, and preventative health.
If only a fraction of these technologies prove useful, advocates and healthcare organizations will be faced with how make such practices fit into our patchwork of professional licensing, collaborative care, and healthcare reimbursement laws. Given that techniques like telemedicine have already-been identified as a wave toward our healthcare future, maybe we should starting thinking sooner rather than later about ways to make our regulations more useful.
Tags: Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Collaborative Practice Arrangements, Missouri Department of Health, Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Hospitals, Missouri Lobbyist, missouri society of anesthesiologists, Missouri State Medical Association, Patient Safety, Telemedicine