3 Ways Technology Can Keep You Healthy
People want quality health care for less money. Over the last several years, health insurers have been exploring new technologies to help people stay healthy and save money. From telemedicine to health trackers, there are a variety of tools revolutionizing health care. Here's how you should be taking advantage of them.
1. Press the Blue Button for Personal Health Records
All Americans have a federally guaranteed right to access all of their medical records, from all of their providers, whether insurers, doctors, specialists, hospitals, or pharmacies, in a convenient format, including electronic records. The resulting Personal Health Record, or PHR, can then be used to inform other providers about previous appointments and procedures, prescriptions, drug reactions, and so on. Electronic records are much less cumbersome than paper records, and collection and storage of patient histories is much more efficient, too.
Many health plans offer individual patient web portals containing this information – look for the Blue Button to access and download your records. These sites can include additional tools such as health and fitness calculators or tools to track over-the-counter medication. If your health insurer does not offer such a service, consider one of the many Personal Health Record tools available online, or as an app for your smartphone.
2. Get a House Call Via Telemedicine
Effective doctor-patient communication is a key component of quality health care. Simply put, there is a strong correlation between clear communication and "improved patient health outcomes." Doctor-patient communication via text and email has become common. Insurers and doctors are already using those channels for more patient reminders and follow-up care.
Even more exciting is the development of telemedicine or telehealth, in which individuals use online video, telephone, or email to consult with doctors about non-emergency health care needs such as colds or rashes. Think of it as a virtual house call.
3. Turn Fitness and Health Monitoring Into a Game
Monitoring progress toward health and fitness goals is easier than ever with technology leaders providing innovative tools and apps. These tools collect health and fitness data and consolidate that information in one place – calories burned, nutrition, weight, heart rate, and so on. Once that data is collected, the possibilities are endless.
Many insurers are helping people stay healthy through "gamification" apps. These can offer game-like incentives and rewards for certain healthy behaviors such as quitting smoking, reducing stress, or reaching daily fitness goals.
This article is sponsored by Cigna. This article is for educational purposes only and is intended to promote consumer health. It is not intended as financial or medical advice and you should always consult a professional for financial or medical advice. For other tips on how to stay healthy and save money, visit www.cigna.com/knowyourbenefits.
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