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Medicine is one branch of science that has evolved rapidly over the past several generations. A key contributor to this advancement is technological breakthroughs providing better tools.

New EHR (electronic health record) systems allow healthcare providers to share and consult on centralized patient data, no matter where the doctors or the patient might be. Caregivers can collect all information through tech, from how teeth get brushed to constant monitoring of blood pressure. Extensive, personalized medical information is an advantage every ailing person can look forward to.

Healthcare solutions have also found their place online. Most providers now maintain web portals where patients can set appointments, review diagnoses and results, or educate themselves on treatments, prescriptions, and other forms of care.

These technologies offer patients and physicians a more timely, effective approach to treatment. Doctors can make better decisions and save more lives.

Telemedicine

Telehealth is a solution that utilizes communication technologies. Invalid or remote patients can consult healthcare professionals with no travel required. Video and audio communication takes place over the internet.

This is especially helpful in rural communities that need a long drive to the nearest healthcare facility. For those with chronic ailments who need regular care, this is a major inconvenience.   With virtual medicine, doctors can do visual exams, show healthcare techniques, and carry on in-depth conversations.

Unfortunately, there are laws discouraging this in some areas. But, as telemedicine proves its value, it will likely become commonplace.

Technology is also improving in computerized healthcare systems, including data analysis and artificial intelligence. Software is becoming a valuable healthcare tool in checking symptoms, testing results and medical histories to recommend more effective treatments and enable faster and more accurate diagnoses.

One solution for remote patients is the health check chair. Patients can sit there in comfort and connect to sensors that record and send their vital signs in real time to healthcare provider systems. This allows professionals to perform monitoring and analysis for developing more effective treatments.

Considering the growing costs of medical care, technology can be a significant benefit. As technologies become more common and more efficient the cost tends to fall.

Wearable Technology

Gadgets for monitoring your health come in many forms. This gives you and your caregivers immediate notice as readings change. Anomalies compared to your past health data could show that you need emergency care or a change in treatments.

The range of meters and health monitoring gadgets are a useful resource not only for people with chronic conditions, but for those suffering from an acute illness or injury that needs closer tracking. There are several FDA-approved devices already in wide use. These include BioPatch, which can record your vital signs several times a day and automatically send the results to nurses or other caregivers via smartphone apps.

The same technology is also improving the quality of care within hospitals. Sensors, cameras, radio frequency (RFID) tags are all orchestrated into a single comprehensive system. This allows caregivers to view healthcare records on mobile devices, track patient movement, medications, and equipment location for your increased safety and security and empowering faster medical decisions and emergency responses.

Yet, wearable health tech is not just for recording your heart rate or respiration to better ensure a speedy recovery. People can also use it in preventive medicine, and even for physical therapy or training through monitoring your movements and physiological responses.

For many, tech opens new possibilities through smart clothing. This could be anything from a bra or pair of socks to a full body suit outfitted with sensors and transmitters. If you’re not sick at all, but trying to lose weight or train for the Olympics, this tech can help you understand how your body works and where you need to make improvements.

 

Health Apps

The millions of smartphones in use have also created a flood of useful apps for the health-conscious. Now everyone can check their own physical condition and better maintain a healthy balance in their lives. Affordable apps are designed for those who wish to stay in good shape and helps those with a medical condition to become more self-reliant.

For instance, young people on their own at college tend to eat poorly. An app such as All i Can Eat helps them follow a healthier diet, including avoiding allergies for items such as peanuts or shellfish. The app can benefit others, for instance, if you are lactose intolerant or have stomach problems, by helping you stick to the right food choices.

An app available through Drugs.com helps you track daily medications. A diabetic, for example, can use the app to track and regulate insulin use. It can also help you identify pills or look up conflicts with new medications.  

Medscape gives you access to over 3,500 medical conditions, including symptoms, treatments, new research, and other relevant information. It will also help you locate health care providers (U.S.) based on your smartphone GPS location. Medscape is free from WebMD.

A user-friendly health app on your smartphone can help with both prevention and treatments wherever you go, whenever you need them. There are apps available for sending alerts to friends, managing alcohol intake, making healthy meal choices, even tracking menstrual cycles and pregnancies. Whatever condition you may have that you’d like to monitor, you’ll most likely be able to find an app for it.

Technology has given patients more control over their own health. While a doctor’s knowledge and expertise are still essential in most cases, there is now a range of options helping you to take better care of yourself.

 

Helen Eagleton
Helen Eagleton, a freelance blogger from Boston, follows topics in the realm of education, technology, digital marketing, and business in general. When she’s not researching for her next article, she enjoys watching documentaries and exploring the nature. Reach her @eagleton_helen