X-rays and iPads

[faethor]

http://arstechnica.com/information-...s-and-ipads-the-network-healthcare-evolution/

This article ticks a bigger issue I've been thinking about lately. In the new Information Age we have yet to drive as many efficencies into the Medical field.

For example, we pay US X-ray techs because the film and images are local. What happens as this moves digitially? Is the $2/hour X-Ray tech in China not as qualified? Why can we not ship electronic images to China, have them read, and get back a report? And couldn't many medical things have this relationship? We've done it in other industries why not the top paying job industries such as medicine?

 

[FluffyMcDeath]

http://arstechnica.com/information-...s-and-ipads-the-network-healthcare-evolution/

For example, we pay US X-ray techs because the film and images are local. What happens as this moves digitially? Is the $2/hour X-Ray tech in China not as qualified? Why can we not ship electronic images to China, have them read, and get back a report?

I have heard that such is going on. Many of our Xrays in the hospitals around here have moved off of film years ago. There are private clinics doing this already, I think. The thing is that it doesn't reduce the end price to the user, but it increases the profit to the owners.

 

[faethor]

The thing is that it doesn't reduce the end price to the user, but it increases the profit to the owners.

Well duh! The point isn't less expensive service. The point is how to make the most money and continue to ensure the wealthy don't have to create jobs here.