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An increasingly popular trend in health care is the virtual doctor’s visit. Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance has pioneered one such program in Hawaii. Patients will be able to consult with their doctors more conveniently. In addition, experts will be more accessible–especially to those living in far-flung rural areas. Medical insurance companies are fans of the trend because it has the potential to cut overhead costs. Meanwhile, many patient advocates believe the virtual visit can improve the quality of care.
Google policy analyst Derek Slater also thinks that online consultations could change the face of the medical insurance system of the United States. However, it will be nearly impossible for them to take effect without improved broadband infrastructure. The U.S. has fallen behind many other developed nations in our speed and access to broadband Internet. Slater thinks that health care will see improved efficiency if those improvements are made. It is a potential avenue for cost savings in healthcare reform, while spurring job creation due to the needed construction of broadband lines.
