1. Monthly archive
  2. November 2016

November 2016

Telemedicine is becoming more widespread

In 2015, more than 15 million Americans received some kind of virtual medical care, according to the American Telemedicine Association. The trade group expects the number to jump by 30 percent in 2016.

Nearly three-quarters of large companies will offer telemedicine doctor visits as part of their health packages in 2016, an increase from 48 percent in 2015. In a nod to the large role telemedicine soon may play in health care, Johns Hopkins Medicine this summer created the first administrative position and office dedicated to the practice. Among the tasks of the new office is developing policies and guidelines around the use of telemedicine. "I think the future market for telemedicine — the potential is incredible," said Dr. Ingrid Zimmer-Galler, executive clinical director of JHM Telemedicine. "The market is exploding. Things you would think you can't possibly do from home are absolutely going to become a reality in coming years." Doctors and nurses across the state are using high-resolution cameras, smartphones and desktop computers to diagnose, treat and monitor patients.

With a great Internet connection (should) come great security responsibility

[Commentary] Attacks are an almost inevitable consequence of giving consumers near-commercial grade internet connections with the expectation that they will effectively maintain their security. But here’s the thing: most consumers don’t need or particularly want such an internet connection. I know I surely don’t.

[Gus Hurwitz is an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law]

Why I’m Joining the Technology Transformation Service

[Commentary] I believe the Technology Transformation Service has an unprecedented chance to dramatically improve the way we all interact with our government.

Our citizens deserve a government that uses technology to make their lives easier and government more approachable and efficient. That’s particularly true in America, because digital technology was mostly invented here in the United States and exemplifies deeply American values such as empowerment of the individual, freedom of communication and association, and a vibrant spirit of optimism. So it seems only right that our government should be wholeheartedly embracing the best of the digital age. TTS is built on the principles cutting-edge companies across the world thrive on, principles like agile development and user-centric design. But creating an outstanding digital-age government will take more than those principles; it will take partnerships with people who know government as well as we know technology.

[Cook is Commissioner of the Technology Transformation Service]

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