Small Business Insights: Q&A on Mobile Tech in Medical Offices and Clinics

In this installment of our small business interview series, I sit down with Arthur Lane, director, mobile healthcare solutions, Verizon, who shares a birdseye observation about the impact of mobile technology in the healthcare industry.  In this two-part interview, Arthur will take us through some of the innovations that are happening now and improving patient care.

What are some present technology trends you see developing in small clinics and doctors’ offices?

One of the more prevalent trends is the wide-spread adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) to streamline business. This has opened the door for an increase in mobile technology usage in the healthcare industry. Patient information is being digitized and mobilized at all levels, from tools to automate appointment scheduling to technologies that enable virtual appointments and information sharing.

How can mobile apps and devices add value to individual and small medical practices beyond basic communication?

Most mobile apps in the market today are geared towards the user as opposed to the doctor. However, electronic medical records apps are growing and they are managing the patient’s experience from end-to-end.

To save time for both the patient and the medical staff, apps like Ingenious Med allow patients to pre-register for appointments and fill out paperwork digitally, and allow doctors to access patient information with a mobile device. These apps increase communication between doctors and patients while also streamlining the appointment process and reduce wait time.

How are smartphones and tablets in doctor’s offices improving patient care?

Mobile technology along with cloud-based solutions are providing opportunities for more efficient and timely patient care. Doctors can now access test results on a mobile device from anywhere in order to make an immediate diagnosis.

How important is it to have a fast, reliable wireless network when using mobile devices for medical practices?

Having a powerful network to deliver a timely response is essential. In rural America, this is becoming especially important for patients who have limited access to medical specialists. Now, 4G LTE networks expand the reach of physicians into rural areas, allowing doctors and patients to communicate, run tests and diagnosis routine illnesses remotely. In these rural areas, sometimes going to a doctor for a simple test can take up a whole day with a commute. A 4G LTE network and the data rich apps and solutions make it easier for all.

Coming up: In my next post, I’ll talk with Arthur about some of innovations transforming the industry, the benefits for physicians using these technologies and what advice he has to offer to small and individual medical practices looking to use these tools.