You have probably heard many speakers talking about age groups. I am a baby boomer--one
of the 80 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964. We represent 30 percent of
the population. Who cares about my personal group? I understand. But, I bring it
up because it is boomers who are starting to experience acute episodes of what will
become chronic illnesses. This is nothing to be proud of. It is just a fact that
boomers will make unprecedented demands on the health care profession. And, as we
move through the system, it will be the proverbial “pig in the python.” How will
this work and can it work in new and different ways? Maybe.
Here is one way it might be different. Boomers are not shy about using the Internet
to find information on their illnesses, but also to find the best doctors and hospitals
to treat their illnesses. However, will we use it to actually receive health care?
Perhaps. I read about something called e-visits offered online for quick and efficient
care. One group that offers e-visits is HealthPartners in Minneapolis.
They call their service Virtuwell, a 24/7 online portal that provides easy access
for patients to receive a diagnosis and treatment service with a nurse practitioner.
The patient initiates the encounter, which sends an email notification to the care
team. On the receiving end, a medical office assistant reviews the request and forwards
it to the appropriate caregiver. HealthPartners says it works well. If you are interested,
go to this site and watch their video. Is Texas Tech Physicians ready for this? Should we be?
On another topic, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its ruling this month
on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Proponents and opponents both
predict dire consequences. This is one of those landmark decision that only comes
along every twenty years or so.
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Yesterday, June 6, was the 68th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during
World War II. John McCullough of the information application services department presented
a lecture on D-Day at the Silent Wings Museum. The Museum’s commemoration events continue
through Saturday, and include living history groups, a showing of the documentary
“D-Day Remembered,” and a fly-in of a C-47 aircraft. If you see John, thank him for
his service to our country and community and for helping to persevere our history.
