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15 million text messages are sent every minute. An article in the Atlantic Monthly suggests that more of those should be sent to our doctors and healthcare providers.
In an article entitled, “If Symptoms Persists, Text Your Doctor,” the Atlantic suggests that mobile messaging can help streamline some of the inefficiencies of modern healthcare, and reduce costs by increasing communication. Atlantic health editor James Hamblin writes,
Checking in with quick questions can allow doctors to triage what really warrants an in-person office visit — which costs, on average $130 – $180; $580 – $700 if it’s in an emergency room — and what can be accommodated remotely. All by the means of communication that have defined the rest of modern society for a decadeHamblin notes that a significant number of people are on board even to pay for the right to consult their doctors over text message. A third of people under 30 would “go so far as to be willing to communicate with their doctors primarily online.”
At Mobile Commons, we’ve been helping connect healthcare providers and their patients for years. We recently launched a partnership with Sanofi US and the Prostate Cancer Foundation to provide patients undergoing chemotherapy with information and encouragement. And we’ve created a specialized edition of our platform, Mobile Commons for Health, designed specifically for healthcare providers. We’ve seen firsthand how new technology can deliver life-saving information.
For just a few of our mHealth initiatives, check out some of the links below.