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Breaking Down 7 Myths About Health Check-ups

20/02/2024

Health check-ups are essential for maintaining good health and preventing potential health issues. However, various myths and misconceptions surround these routine examinations, which can deter individuals from seeking preventive care. Let's debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions about health check-ups: Myth 1: "I Feel Fine, So I Don't Need a Check-up" Reality: Feeling fine doesn't necessarily mean you're in perfect health. Many health conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, may not present noticeable symptoms initially. Health check-ups help detect these silent conditions early, allowing for timely interventions and preventing potential complications. Myth 2: "I'm Young and Healthy, I Don't Need Check-ups" Reality: Age is not a determining factor for needing health check-ups. Regular check-ups are essential for individuals of all ages to monitor their health status, detect potential issues early, and establish healthy habits. Preventive care is especially crucial for laying the foundation for long-term health and well-being. Myth 3: "Health Check-ups Are Only for Sick People" Reality: Health check-ups are not just for addressing illness; they're primarily for preventive care. Routine examinations help identify risk factors, screen for diseases, and promote early detection of health issues before they become serious. Preventive care is key to maintaining optimal health and preventing future health problems. Myth 4: "I Don't Have Time for Check-ups" Reality: While busy schedules may make it challenging to prioritize health check-ups, investing time in preventive care can save time and hassle in the long run. Many healthcare providers offer flexible scheduling options, including weekend or evening appointments, and telemedicine services that allow for remote consultations, making it easier to fit check-ups into your schedule. Myth 5: "Check-ups Are Expensive" Reality: While there may be costs associated with health check-ups, many preventive services are covered by health insurance plans. Additionally, investing in preventive care can lead to cost savings by preventing costly medical treatments or hospitalizations resulting from undetected health issues. Myth 6: "Check-ups Are Unnecessary if I Have No Family History of Illness" Reality: While family history can influence your risk of certain health conditions, it's not the sole determinant of your health. Many health issues are influenced by lifestyle factors, environmental factors, and individual health habits. Health check-ups assess overall health status and help identify risk factors, regardless of family history. Myth 7: "Once I've Had One Check-up, I Don't Need Another" Reality: Health check-ups should be conducted regularly, as recommended by healthcare professionals, to ensure ongoing monitoring of health status and early detection of potential health issues. The frequency of check-ups may vary based on age, health status, and individual risk factors. In conclusion, debunking myths and misconceptions about health check-ups is crucial for promoting preventive care and encouraging individuals to prioritize their health. By understanding the importance of routine examinations and addressing common misconceptions, individuals can take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal health and well-being throughout their lives. To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center. Image by batian lu from Pixabay

The Role of Technology in Modern Health Check-ups

19/02/2024

Advancements in technology have revolutionized modern healthcare, including the way health check-ups are conducted. From digital health monitoring devices to telemedicine platforms, technology has made health check-ups more convenient, accessible, and effective than ever before. Here's how technology has transformed the landscape of health check-ups: Digital Health Monitoring Devices Wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring apps allow individuals to track various health metrics in real-time. These devices can monitor heart rate, activity levels, sleep patterns, and even detect irregularities in vital signs. By providing continuous health data, digital monitoring devices offer a comprehensive picture of an individual's health status between check-ups. Telemedicine Platforms Telemedicine platforms enable remote consultations with healthcare providers via video conferencing, phone calls, or secure messaging. This allows individuals to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for in-person appointments for routine check-ups. Telemedicine facilitates timely consultations, especially for individuals with limited mobility, busy schedules, or living in remote areas. Mobile Health Apps Mobile health apps offer a wide range of functionalities, including appointment scheduling, medication reminders, symptom tracking, and access to health information. These apps empower individuals to actively participate in their healthcare management, facilitating communication with healthcare providers and facilitating adherence to treatment plans. Some apps even offer virtual check-ups or consultations with healthcare professionals. Remote Monitoring Devices Remote monitoring devices enable healthcare providers to monitor patients' health remotely, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those recovering from surgery. These devices can track vital signs, medication adherence, and symptom progression, providing valuable data for healthcare providers to assess patients' health status and intervene as needed. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Electronic health records digitize medical records, enabling seamless sharing of patient information among healthcare providers. EHRs consolidate medical history, test results, prescriptions, and other pertinent information in a centralized database accessible to authorized healthcare professionals. This streamlines communication, reduces duplication of tests, and enhances continuity of care during health check-ups. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning AI and machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of health data to identify patterns, predict health outcomes, and personalize treatment plans. These technologies can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing diseases, identifying risk factors, and recommending preventive measures during health check-ups, leading to more accurate and timely interventions. Remote Diagnostic Tools Remote diagnostic tools, such as home blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and EKG devices, enable individuals to perform diagnostic tests at home and transmit results to their healthcare providers. This reduces the need for frequent clinic visits and allows for more timely monitoring of chronic conditions between check-ups. In conclusion, technology has significantly transformed the way health check-ups are conducted, making them more convenient, accessible, and effective for individuals seeking to maintain their health. From digital health monitoring devices to telemedicine platforms and AI-driven diagnostic tools, technology empowers individuals to take proactive control of their health and enables healthcare providers to deliver personalized and efficient care during routine check-ups. To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center. *Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Virtual Second Opinions: The Rise of Telemedicine in Expert Consultations

10/10/2023

In today's interconnected world, healthcare is no exception to the digital transformation that has reshaped numerous industries. One notable development within the healthcare sector is the rise of virtual second opinions, facilitated by telemedicine. This evolution in healthcare delivery is changing the way patients access expert opinions and transforming the landscape of medical consultations. The Evolution of Telemedicine Telemedicine, the remote provision of healthcare services using technology, has experienced exponential growth in recent years. Initially, telemedicine primarily involved simple phone consultations. However, with advancements in digital communication, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform for remote healthcare delivery. [Related reading: Telehealth vs. Traditional Care: Weighing the Pros and Cons] The Concept of Virtual Second Opinions Virtual second opinions involve seeking expert medical advice and consultations without the need for physical presence. Patients can connect with specialists, often located in distant geographical areas, through telemedicine platforms. This concept is particularly beneficial for complex medical cases, rare conditions, or when patients desire additional perspectives on their diagnoses or treatment plans. Key Benefits of Virtual Second Opinions Access to World-Class Experts: Virtual second opinions break down geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with renowned specialists from renowned medical centers around the world. Convenience and Efficiency: Patients can access expert opinions from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for travel and reducing waiting times. This convenience is especially important for individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Timely Consultations: Virtual second opinions expedite the process of obtaining expert advice. In traditional healthcare settings, waiting times to see specialists can be lengthy, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Cost Savings: Virtual consultations often come at a lower cost compared to in-person visits, making expert opinions more accessible to a broader range of patients. Patient-Centered Care: Virtual second opinions align with the principles of patient-centered care, empowering individuals to actively participate in their healthcare decisions. Challenges and Considerations While virtual second opinions offer numerous advantages, there are some challenges and considerations to keep in mind: Data Security: Ensuring the security and privacy of patient data during virtual consultations is paramount. Healthcare providers must implement robust cybersecurity measures. Regulatory Compliance: Telemedicine services must adhere to relevant healthcare regulations and licensure requirements, which can vary by region. Technology Access: Patients must have access to the necessary technology, including a reliable internet connection and devices capable of video conferencing. Continuity of Care: Coordinating virtual second opinions with a patient's primary healthcare provider is essential to ensure seamless care. Final Thoughts Virtual second opinions, facilitated by the growing field of telemedicine, represent a significant advancement in healthcare accessibility and patient empowerment. By connecting patients with expert opinions from around the world, these virtual consultations offer timely, cost-effective, and convenient solutions for individuals seeking additional perspectives on their medical conditions. As technology continues to evolve, virtual second opinions are poised to play an increasingly crucial role in healthcare decision-making, ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care. Here at France Surgery, we can provide you with a second medical opinion in France from just €450. If you’ve recently had a diagnosis and you’ve got some doubts, contact us now to benefit from a second medical opinion. *Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): Transforming Healthcare Through Connected Devices

13/09/2023

In an age defined by technological innovation, the healthcare industry is undergoing a profound transformation through the integration of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). This remarkable development is changing the way healthcare is delivered and experienced, enhancing patient care, improving diagnostics, and revolutionizing healthcare management. In this blog, we will delve into the world of IoMT, exploring its impact, applications, and the future it promises for modern healthcare. Understanding the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) The Internet of Medical Things, or IoMT, refers to the interconnected ecosystem of medical devices, equipment, and applications that collect, transmit, and analyze healthcare data via the internet. This vast network encompasses wearable devices, remote monitoring tools, smart implants, and other connected healthcare technologies. Key Applications of IoMT in Healthcare - Remote Patient Monitoring: IoMT enables continuous monitoring of patients' vital signs and health metrics. Wearable devices and sensors collect data, which is transmitted to healthcare providers in real-time. This technology is invaluable for managing chronic conditions and post-operative care. - Smart Medical Devices: Implants and medical devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, are now equipped with connectivity features. This allows healthcare professionals to monitor device performance and make timely adjustments remotely. - Telemedicine Support: IoMT supports telemedicine by providing physicians with access to patients' health data during virtual consultations. This enhances the quality of care and facilitates more accurate diagnoses. - Medication Management: Smart pill bottles and dispensers remind patients to take their medications and track adherence. Healthcare providers can monitor patient compliance and intervene when necessary. - Predictive Analytics: IoMT data, when analyzed using advanced analytics and machine learning, can help predict disease outbreaks, patient deterioration, or medication responses, enabling proactive interventions. Benefits of IoMT in Healthcare - Improved Patient Outcomes: IoMT enhances early detection of health issues, enabling timely interventions and better patient outcomes. - Enhanced Patient Engagement: Patients are more engaged in their healthcare when they have access to real-time data about their health and treatment progress. - Cost Savings: Remote monitoring reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, leading to cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems. - Efficiency: Healthcare providers can access patient data more efficiently, enabling faster decision-making and streamlined care processes. - Personalized Medicine: IoMT supports personalized treatment plans by providing detailed patient data, allowing for treatments tailored to individual needs. Challenges and Concerns While IoMT offers remarkable benefits, it also presents some challenges: - Security and Privacy: The vast amount of healthcare data transmitted and stored by IoMT devices raises concerns about data security and patient privacy. - Interoperability: Ensuring that different IoMT devices and systems can communicate and share data seamlessly remains a challenge. - Regulatory Compliance: Regulations governing IoMT devices vary, and navigating compliance requirements can be complex. The Future of IoMT The IoMT landscape is poised for continued growth and innovation. As technology advances, we can expect: - Greater Integration: More healthcare devices and systems will become interconnected, providing a comprehensive view of patient health. - Advanced Analytics: The use of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics will become more widespread, further enhancing healthcare decision-making. - Improved Security: As IoMT expands, efforts to strengthen security and privacy protections will intensify. - Patient Empowerment: Patients will continue to take an active role in their healthcare through wearable devices and access to their health data. Final thoughts The Internet of Medical Things is reshaping the healthcare landscape, bringing a new era of connectivity, data-driven insights, and patient-centered care. While challenges exist, the potential benefits of IoMT in terms of improved patient outcomes, cost savings, and enhanced healthcare experiences are driving its rapid adoption and evolution. As technology continues to advance, the IoMT promises to be a transformative force in modern healthcare, ushering in a future where healthcare is not only more efficient but also more personalized and accessible.

Medical tourism industry set to hit $121bn by 2032

21/07/2023

The medical tourism industry was worth more than $70bn before the global COVID-19 pandemic struck. Then, virtually overnight, with borders closed and international travel halted, the medical tourism industry experienced a decline. However, with lockdowns in place and movement severely restricted, many people were able to save more money than they usually do. As a result, once lockdowns lifted and travel resumed, those individuals had the necessary funds to pay for treatment abroad. Now, new research shows the medical tourism industry is set to boom once more. According to the report by Market Research Future (MRFR), the medical tourism market was valued at $17.35bn in 2021 and is projected to grow from $21.42bn in 2022 to $121.8bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% during the forecast period (2022 - 2032). The report states that the high cost of healthcare in developed countries will be a major driver of the medical tourism industry’s growth, as more people look for affordable treatments and procedures abroad. Furthermore, with advancements in equipment, procedures, telemedicine and other types of distance healthcare, high-quality medical care is accessible to people all over the world. Finally, the report also notes that the market for medical tourism in Europe is projected to expand at a faster rate than any other region. This is because of factors including “the growing popularity of medical tourism, the ever-increasing cost of healthcare, and the rising prevalence of conditions like osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.” Request a sample of the MRFR report here: www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1975 Considering a medical procedure abroad? At France Surgery, we can take care of everything for you from start to finish, leaving you with total peace of mind. Contact us today for more information.

From virtual consultations to digital diagnostics: How telemedicine is revolutionizing healthcare

08/05/2023

Telemedicine, the practice of using technology to provide medical care remotely, is changing the way we think about healthcare. With telemedicine, patients can access medical care from the comfort of their own homes, saving time and money while improving access to care. One of the most common forms of telemedicine is virtual consultations. Through videoconferencing, patients can connect with healthcare providers to discuss their symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and even receive a prescription for medication. Virtual consultations are particularly useful for patients who live in rural or remote areas, or who have difficulty traveling to appointments due to mobility issues or other health concerns. Telemedicine is also transforming how diagnostic tests are performed. With digital diagnostics, patients can perform certain tests at home, such as monitoring blood sugar levels or taking blood pressure readings, and then transmit the data to their healthcare provider for analysis. This allows doctors to monitor their patients' health more closely and make more informed decisions about their care. Another area where telemedicine is having a significant impact is in mental health care. With telemedicine, patients can access mental health services from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly important for people who live in areas where mental health services are scarce or who have difficulty accessing traditional mental health care due to stigma or other barriers. While there are many benefits to telemedicine, there are also limitations to be aware of. For example, telemedicine may not be suitable for all medical conditions or situations, and there may be limitations to the types of treatments that can be provided remotely. Overall, however, telemedicine is an exciting development in healthcare that has the potential to improve access to care, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes for patients around the world. *Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay 

France ranks third in latest World’s Best Smart Hospitals list

17/03/2023

France has ranked third in a list of the world’s best smart hospitals, compiled by a leading US magazine and an online platform specializing in market and consumer data. According to Newsweek and Statista’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2023 – the second iteration of its kind – France is home to more than 6% of the most state-of-the-art hospitals in the world. In fact, only the United States (28%) and Germany (7.6%) have more. Furthermore, the AP-HP - Hôpital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière in Paris was ranked third overall among all the European hospitals that made the top 300 list. As outlined in the survey’s methodology, “Smart Hospitals use state-of-the art technology to fundamentally rethink how care is delivered within the health system. Taking advantage of these new technologies can not only improve care delivery outcomes and efficiencies within the hospital but can help to drive health goals around prevention, population health and quality of life outcomes.” The final list of 300 facilities in 28 countries represents institutions that lead in their use of AI, digital imaging, telemedicine, robotics and electronic functionalities. More than 4,000 votes were collected in the month the survey was open (June-July 2022) and a score was calculated for each hospital based on the number of recommendations. The survey itself was developed by a global board of renowned experts. Contact us now to find out more about our services. Photo by Pixabay

How telehealth has been helping stroke patients afford better outcomes for decades

19/08/2021

For stroke patients, receiving treatment as soon as possible is vital. The shorter time between the stroke and treatment, the less chance there is of serious damage to the patient’s brain. That’s why fast diagnosis of a stroke is so important for the patient’s overall prognosis. But vascular neurologists, the clinicians most called upon to check stroke patients, are often in short supply and high demand. As a result, they cannot always see every suspected stroke patient as quickly as perhaps liked. The answer has been to utilise telemedicine and this is something neurologists have been doing for more than three decades. By taking advantage of audio-visual platforms, neurologists can assess suspected stroke patients quickly. If the patient is displaying signs of a stroke, they can be given life-saving treatment, consisting of administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a clot-dissolving drug first developed for treating heart attacks, which was then fine-tuned for strokes in the early 1990s. The success of tPA, however, lies in administering it as quickly as possible, to counter the effect of blood loss to the brain. A 2016 study highlights the impact of telehealth for stroke patients. According to Kaiser Permanente’s study, involving more than 2,500 patients treated for stroke symptoms between 2013 and 2015 in its 14-hospital network in southern California, a 75% increase was witnessed in the timely use of tPA after a telehealth consult. Patients receiving a telehealth consult were given a diagnostic imaging test 12 minutes sooner than those who didn’t, and tPA was administered 11 minutes sooner. Overall, the door-to-needle time was reduced to less than an hour. *Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Teledentistry market set to witness incredible growth

22/06/2021

Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, is something many people have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is something that has really come into its own, helping patients connect with their clinicians at a time when just leaving the house presented a challenge. Now, another form of virtual healthcare, teledentistry, is emerging as another potential disruptor in the healthcare space. Predicted to witness spectacular growth of 16.6% from 2020-2027 to reach US$ 920.83million in 2027 from US$ 242.51million in 2019, the European teledentistry market looks set to achieve spectacular results. But it’s not just in Europe where teledentistry is taking off. According to a report in the Tyler Morning Telegraph, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed a bill into law formally ending a ban on teledentistry in the state. The new law comes months after a lawsuit was filed by the Pacific Legal Foundation and after bipartisan calls for reform were made. Under the new law, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners will not be allowed to ban teledentistry, bringing it in line with other telemedicine practices. Abbott previously signed a bill into law expanding and making some telemedicine services permanent. “This is great news for Texas citizens who will continue to have access to quality dental care from the comfort of their homes,” Joshua Polk, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, said. The foundation represented teledentistry providers who challenged the Texas Board of Dental Examiners’ ban. “There is a crisis in dental care access in Texas, and this legislation will go a long way in addressing that crisis,” he added. “It will also allow our clients to continue operations in the state.” *Image by Rafael Juárez from Pixabay

Telemedicine for sleep disorders: An update from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

03/06/2021

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published an update in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine stating that, during the pandemic, telemedicine has been an effective tool for the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. Since the academy’s last update in 2015, the use of telemedicine services has increased exponentially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The academy’s latest update adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted telemedicine’s ‘importance in improving access to sleep care and advocating for sleep health.’ Furthermore, a growing body of published research has found telemedicine to be effective in the management of patients with sleep disorders, such as apnea, and for the delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of insomnia. The update authors also outlined how a shortage of trained behavioral sleep therapists has led to the development of online application-based CBT-I programs and a recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that internet-delivered CBT-I is effective in improving sleep. Telemedicine, the academy says, is also effective for helping to treat sleep disorders among children: ‘Telehealth follow-up visits, primarily via telephone, have been used for chronic management of obstructive sleep apnea and internet delivered CBT-I has been shown to be effective in adolescents with insomnia.’ *Image by Claudio_Scott from Pixabay

Telemedicine to save healthcare industry $21bn globally by 2025

11/05/2021

Telemedicine will save the healthcare industry a staggering $21 billion in costs by 2025, new research suggests. This represents an increase of over 80% in the next four years, rising from $11 billion in 2021. According to the study by Juniper Research, teleconsultations, a service that enables patients and physicians to interact remotely with patients, will play a key role in enabling these significant savings. However, Juniper cautioned that such savings would be restricted to developed countries where people have access to required devices and suitable Internet connectivity. Indeed, Juniper predicts that North America and Europe will realise over 80% of savings by 2025. The Jupiter report also reveals how telemedicine usage has soared as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with remote consultations rising from over 280 million in 2019, to 348 million in 2020. By taking advantage of telehealth solutions, doctor’s offices have been able to significantly reduce the number of face-to-face appointments they’ve needed to accommodate, cutting the risk of waiting room Covid-19 infections. However, the report did warn that the significant investment required and obligation to abide by data protection laws, such as the US’s Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), could discourage telemedicine adoption among smaller healthcare providers. “Any deregulation must ensure that patient confidentiality is not undermined,” said research author Adam Wears. “Additionally, we recommend that innovative and emerging teleconsultation services are integrated into existing healthcare technologies, such as electronic health records, to maximise their benefits to healthcare providers.” Jupiter Research’s report, Telemedicine: Emerging Technologies, Regional Readiness & Market Forecasts 2021‑2025, is available here: https://www.juniperresearch.com/researchstore/key-vertical-markets/telemedicine-research-report *Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

Smartphone cameras can now be used to monitor heartrate and breathing, making them perfect for teleh

15/04/2021

As we highlighted in a previous blog post, telehealth/telemedicine services have come into their own during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing patients to connect with their clinicians in a way that’s fast, convenient and safe. However, remote consultations often have their limitations, including how to perform diagnostic tests and take medical measurements. But now researchers from the University of Washington have devised a way to measure patients' pulse and breathing rates via a smartphone's camera. The researchers say the advancement will make telehealth more accurate and useful. According to UW News, the system, called MetaPhys, can detect a patient’s pulse or respiration rate using in real-time using video of their face. "Machine learning is pretty good at classifying images. If you give it a series of photos of cats and then tell it to find cats in other images, it can do it," Xin Liu, the study's lead author and a student in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering doctoral student, told UW News. "But for machine learning to be helpful in remote health sensing, we need a system that can identify the region of interest in a video that holds the strongest source of physiological information — pulse, for example — and then measure that over time." The team's original iteration of MetaPhys was presented last December at the Neural Information Processing Systems conference. However, the first iteration had some pitfalls, most notably that it struggled with certain lights, backgrounds and skin colors. The second version, the researchers say, improves upon the first and overcomes these limitations. *Image courtesy of tookapic from Pixabay

Majority of US consumers want telehealth services to remain post-pandemic

13/04/2021

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, telehealth/telemedicine services were more of a convenience than a necessity for most patients. They offered (and still do offer) a way for a patient to consult with their clinician without having to make a trip to the doctor’s office. But it was when the Covid-19 pandemic struck that telehealth really came into its own, with more patients than ever taking advantage of such services to receive non-emergency healthcare from the safety of their own homes. Now, new research from Sykes reveals that most consumers – having experienced telehealth services during the pandemic -- want them to remain post-Covid. According to the Sykes survey, which polled 2,000 Americans in March on how their opinions on virtual care have changed within the past year, more than 61% had undergone a telehealth visit come March this year. In comparison, less than 20% had utilized telehealth by March 2020. Furthermore, in March 2020, around 65% of Americans felt hesitant or doubtful about the quality of telehealth services, while 56% did not believe they could afford the same level of care compared to in-person appointments. However, now, almost 88% want to continue using telehealth for non-urgent consultations after the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. Moreover, almost 80% agree it's possible to receive quality care via telehealth services. *Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

Telehealth can have a ‘measurable impact’ on local economies - survey

25/02/2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused telehealth to become a bigger economic development concern among local areas. That’s one of the key findings of new research by broadband industry analyst Craig Settles. According to Settles’ Broadband, Local Economies, & the Age of Covid survey -- which polled 200 professionals from economic development departments within local and state governments and economic development agencies across the United States – 40% of respondents indicated that telehealth can have a “measurable impact” on their local economy in terms of attracting medical professionals and reducing unnecessary ER visits. When the same survey was conducted two years ago (in 2019), only about 25% of respondents said the same about telehealth’s potential impact on the medical workforce and ER visits. Moreover, more respondents this year said telehealth can help more mental health services remain local, as well as keep senior citizens living at home longer. Settles says these findings suggest there is money to be made and saved by boosting telehealth capabilities. Specifically, he sees a lot of potential value in local telehealth radiology programs, citing the $1.8 million saved over 10 years by a radiology practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “There are serious dollars and cents to be had if you can do this locally, because people don’t have to go all the way to China to get their X-rays, all the various MRIs and so forth,” Settles said. “The forward-thinking communities, especially if they’re a rural area, I would look at starting a radiology practice because there’s money to be made there locally. Obviously, you can’t do this without broadband, but if you’re one of these cities building the network, that should be a main consideration for revenue.”  

Texas Governor wants to permanently expand telemedicine access across the state

04/02/2021

Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has said he wants to permanently expand access to telemedicine services across the state, noting that they benefit both patients and doctors. Speaking during his State of the State address on Monday, Gov. Abbott said: “We should seize the opportunity this session to permanently expand telemedicine so that every Texan in every region of the state can benefit.” Telemedicine services in Texas have surged since the start of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. But if Gov. Abbott wants to maintain telemedicine access and coverage in Texas beyond the pandemic, he will need the help of the Texas Legislature, Congress, and private insurance providers. Last March, Gov. Abbott eased regulations regarding the types of health care services that can be offered over the phone or through video calls. He also issued an emergency rule so that the Texas Dept. of Insurance (TDI) could compensate healthcare providers for telemedicine consultations at the same rate as in-person visits. However, this equalized compensation only applied to patients covered by state-regulated insurance plans, like those purchased through HealthCare.gov, which make up only 15% of plans in Texas, according to TDI. Gov. Abbott also highlighted how critical telemedicine services have been in enabling Texans to get needed health services this past year.

Four considerations for healthcare providers looking to offer telehealth solutions

10/12/2020

Telehealth solutions have come into their own during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, adoption of telehealth services has increased by more than 2,000% since last year. With both physicians and patients alike reaping benefits from telehealth solutions, it’s inevitable that some ambulatory care and services will never return to being face-to-face. However, as solutions mature and become more readily adopted, healthcare providers need to realize that a one-size-fits-all approach to telehealth will not afford the best outcomes for patients. Before implementing any telehealth services at all, healthcare providers need to understand: - Who their consumers are? - Where do these consumers live? - What Internet access do they have? - And what is their level of technological literacy? These four considerations are key in helping healthcare providers develop telehealth solutions that are both intuitive and meet their patients’ varying needs. Failure to address these four considerations could lead to telehealth solutions simply not being utilized. Here at France Surgery, we pride ourselves on the transformational telehealth services we provide. It’s our goal to provide our patients with access to SMART healthcare wherever they are and whenever they need it. We understand that what works for one patient won’t necessarily work for another, which is why we never look to take a one-size-fits-all approach.

Switch to telemedicine linked to positive asthma control in inner city kids

19/11/2020

A researcher from the University of Southern California (USC) Medical Center in Los Angeles says telemedicine had a positive impact on inner city children with asthma at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Kenny Kwong, MD, making the switch to telemedicine for routine asthma visits early on in the pandemic resulted in positive disease control and an increase in appointment "show rates" among Los Angeles inner city children. Prior to taking advantage of telemedicine, in-person appointment show rates between March and June 2019 averaged 70%-80%. After the switch to telemedicine, this increased to 90%-95% between March and June 2020. Furthermore, delivering routine asthma care via telemedicine did not appear to negatively impact asthma control among the children in the study, Wong said in a presentation at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology virtual meeting. There was also a notable increase in the amount of time healthcare providers spent with patients after switching to telemedicine, with appointments conducted over the telephone lasting as much as 62% longer than pre-pandemic in-person visits. “This system has worked very well. We have been able to treat many asthmatic children until the debacle of COVID-19. All our face-to-face visits on the mobile asthma units came to a grinding halt, and we had to switch almost overnight to telephone visits,” Wong said.

Survey reveals 91% of gastroenterologists are planning to adopt telehealth into their practices

03/11/2020

The wider adoption of telemedicine has been one of the most prominent changes to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, data shows that usage of telehealth services has increased by more than 2,000% since last year. Now, new research shows that the vast majority of gastroenterologists are planning to use telehealth more going forward. According to the survey presented at the annual American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2020 conference, up to 91% of gastroenterologist respondents say they plan to integrate telehealth into their practice following the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the survey revealed that gastroenterologists typically view telehealth in a positive light, with 75% of survey respondents reporting their experience of telehealth solutions has been positive. Only 6% reported a negative experience. As many as 63% of gastroenterologists also said they felt telehealth was more efficient than traditional visits, while 58% considered adding telehealth visits between endoscopic procedures. In terms of barriers to telehealth adoption, the biggest for gastroenterologists was the inability to conduct a physical exam, cited by 44.1%. For 27% of gastroenterologist respondents, this barrier was considered critical. Around two-thirds of respondents said their adoption of telehealth solutions would depend on whether the medium would be covered by appropriate insurance payments (equal to in-person consultations). You can find out more about the telehealth services provided by us here at France Surgery by contacting us today.

Cleveland Clinic names four medtech developments in its top 10 medical innovations for 2021

08/10/2020

Cleveland Clinic has unveiled its top 10 medical innovations for 2021, and both telemedicine initiatives and app-connected health trackers feature. In fact, four medtech developments made the Cleveland Clinic list this year, underlining the importance of technology in healthcare. All of them were chosen in the belief they will be widely adopted in the coming year and have a significant clinical impact. Announced in conjunction with its annual Medical Innovation Summit, which is now in its 18th year, Cleveland Clinic’s top 10 innovations for this year were selected by a committee of subject matter experts at the academic medical center. This year, smartphone app-connected pacemakers were named the top medtech innovation because of their ability to better connect patients with their cardiac treatment, affording greater insights into the health data they produce. Bubble CPAP, a non-invasive ventilation strategy for premature babies, is the next medtech innovation on the Cleveland list. Bubble CPAP minimizes physical trauma and stimulates lung growth when administered over a prolonged period. Third on the list of medtech innovations is telemedicine, specifically increased access to these pivotal services through the removal of barriers. The fourth and final medtech innovation on the list is vacuum-induced uterine tamponade, a minimally invasive way for clinicians to stop postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding after having a baby), which affects around one to five percent of women who give birth. The vacuum-induced device uses negative pressure created inside the uterus to collapse the bleeding cavity causing the muscle to close off the vessels. It’s a low-tech solution that could be taken advantage of in developing countries with low resource availability. [Related reading: What is telehealth?]

Many type 1 diabetes patients will continue to use telehealth even after pandemic - study

25/09/2020

Telehealth has helped patients living with chronic conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, continue their care management throughout the pandemic, new research shows. According to the global survey of patients living with type 1 diabetes, many moved to telehealth because in-person doctor visits were curtailed as a result of COVID lockdown restrictions. But even after the pandemic has passed, three-quarters say they will continue to take advantage of telehealth solutions to meet their care management needs. The information, presented this week at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), highlights the value of telehealth platforms in maintaining care management during times of unprecedented disruption to daily life. Furthermore, many patients with chronic conditions will have foregone check-ups throughout the pandemic for fear of becoming infected or adding an extra burden to healthcare providers. Telehealth has a significant role to play hear by helping these individuals re-establish their care routines and get the treatment they require. The study conducted by researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland and supported by Novo Nordisk, involving more than 7,000 people in 89 countries, is published in in the journal Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. “The results … demonstrate that a large number of people living with type 1 diabetes have rapidly adopted telemedicine or plan to in the near future and that this has generally been perceived positively,” the researchers concluded in the study.

Telehealth expected to account for $29 billion in US healthcare services in 2020

17/09/2020

Telehealth has gone from being a supplementary means of accessing healthcare services to one of the primary ways patients seek treatment, a new report has revealed. According to Doximity's 2020 State of Telemedicine Report, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has had a profound effect on telehealth, driving its adoption. In fact, the report says that telehealth is expected to account for more than 20% of all medical visits in the United States this year and drive $29 billion worth of healthcare services revenue. The Doximity report also found that as much as $106 billion of current US healthcare spend could be virtualized by 2023. This projection highlights the increasing acceptance and adoption of telehealth among both patients and physicians. The report says there is a likelihood that care providers will find themselves competing to offer the best telemedicine experience. Prior to the pandemic, just 14% of American patients had taken advantage of telehealth services. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, this figure has risen by 57%. For those with a chronic illness the increase was 77%. Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents said they plan to use telehealth once the pandemic ends, while 27% said they feel more comfortable using telemedicine since the pandemic. You can read the full Doximity report here. [Related reading: Use of telehealth technology among US specialists increased during pandemic]

Nvidia looking to benefit telehealth market with automatic speech recognition tool

15/09/2020

Silicon Valley tech giant Nvidia, best known for designing graphics processing units for the gaming and professional markets, is looking to use its experience to benefit the telehealth space. Researchers at the company are working on developing an automated speech recognition and natural language processing technology, which would be able to transcribe and organize information from a telemedicine visit for both patient and clinicians. What separates the tool from other offerings in the market is that it is specifically trained to understand clinical and biomedical language. Nvidia says the new tool will enable patients to leave telehealth visits with a lot more information and notes than they do currently. While the Nvidia tool’s initial focus will be telehealth transcription, the company says its uses could extend to other medical applications. Speaking about the tool, Hoo-Chang Shin, research scientist at NVIDIA, told MobiHealthNews: “This particular one was trained on large biomedical text and then a smaller set of clinical text ... but if we had a large amount of clinical notes like radiologist reports then the language processing trained on them would be kick-ass on recognizing radiologists reports. “It would be so much better at transcribing radiologist reports and also we have even more recognition of named entities or disease names, or possibly planned treatments, and so on.”

Use of telehealth technology among US specialists increased during pandemic

28/08/2020

Medical specialists, including cardiologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, and respiratory physicians, significantly increased their use of telehealth technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, new research shows. According to the survey by data and analytics company GlobalData, 79% of US medical specialists said their use of telemedicine technology had increased since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. One in five (20%) said their usage had stayed the same. Of the medical professionals who said their use of telehealth services had increased, almost 30% reported an increase of 81% to 100%. Prior to the outbreak, less than half of the medical professionals surveyed were using telehealth services. But their experiences must have been positive, as more than three-quarters said they will continue to take advantage of telehealth once the pandemic is over. Interestingly, while 24% of medical professionals reported that they would not continue to use telehealth technology going forward, most said it was because they needed to see their patients in person to conduct examinations. Speaking about the findings of the survey, Kathryn Whitney, director of thematic analysis at GlobalData, said: “Telemedicine has been critical during the COVID-19 pandemic to limit the risk of person-to-person transmission of the virus and to reduce the burden on overwhelmed healthcare systems.”

The benefits of electronic health records

18/08/2020

Electronic health records, or online medical files as they are also known, are basically electronic versions of patients’ medical records that are securely stored in a bespoke system. While these digital records may never fully replace traditional paper-based versions, they are proving to add lots of value to the healthcare industry. Here are some of the benefits afforded by electronic health records for both patients and medical professionals alike: Electronic health records are accessible from anywhere, meaning any physician in the world can learn your medical history in a short space of time They are constantly up to date, with the latest version always available They make it faster to find information, thus allowing treatment to be expedited They contain fewer errors and there is less chance of misinterpretations because of poor handwriting They are secure from fire, theft or being lost and are also backed up for extra protection They can be accessed by multiple healthcare professionals, reducing the need for paper records to be sent All of the above ultimately improve efficiency, lead to fewer errors and lead to an improved experience for patients and medical professionals. As part of our holistic telemedicine solution, we offer online medical files. Contact us today to find out more about how they can transform your healthcare experience.

How telehealth has come into its own during the COVID-19 pandemic

13/08/2020

In a previous blog post — what is telehealth? — we wrote about telehealth services and some of the benefits they afford. Today, we are going to follow on from that post by looking at how telehealth has come into its own during the ongoing pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has meant that millions of people all over the world have had to stay at home, observe social distancing guidelines, and not make any unnecessary trips. But what do you do if you need medical advice or a check-up by your doctor in the middle of a pandemic, with such restrictions in place? Well, according to new research, many seniors are turning to telehealth services so they can keep abreast of their medical needs at this difficult time. In fact, the figures from healthinsurance.com show that overall use of telemedicine services among seniors has increased by a whopping 300% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 30% of survey respondents said they have used telehealth services at least once a month since the COVID-19 crisis occurred. The beauty of telehealth services, such as virtual doctor appointments, is that they are all conducted via the Internet or telephone. Therefore, the patient does not even need to leave the comfort of their home to get a medical opinion — a reality that is particularly beneficial for vulnerable seniors. Want to find out more about the various telehealth services France Surgery provides? Contact us today. We’d love to hear from you.

Our Partners: Making your stay with us easy

27/02/2014

Unlike many other clinics, France Surgery are happy to assist as much as we can with organising and managing your stay when you come to us for any treatment or services. We understand that it may be a difficult time, so to make life easier we’ve partnered with hotels, airlines, travel agents, top clinics, rehabilitation centres, ambulance services, pharmacies, laboratories and more, so it doesn’t need to be yet another thing to worry about. Our full list of partners are: Lufthansa Airlines – Discounted travel fares available Capio - One of Europe’s leading healthcare companies Domus Cliniques – Clinic’s situated in the Alpes Maritimes region IM2S – A surgical clinic that specialises in the treatment of musculoskeletal and ligamentous pathologies Médi-Partenaires - A leading private healthcare company SETeS - International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth US Embassy Vedici – Private health clinics in France For more information or to make any reservations please contact our International Patient Service who look forward to your query.

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