The end of 2019 is looming, and with all changes expected for 2020 the big question is: What can be expected in health care in 2020?
One of the most likely changes evolving in 2020 is tech companies entering the care delivery industry and having a transformative impact. Just think artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain technologies…
Google is now working with Ascension, the country’s second-largest hospital system, to store and analyze the data of millions of patients in an effort to improve medical services and to get a bigger piece of the health care industry.
Though it will be years before these innovations take root and tech companies will play an important role in health care, the first steps will be noticeable in the coming year. But concerns about whether all of the software involved in processing patient data complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will grow in the near future. HIPAA restricts how sensitive patient data is handled and data privacy and security must be taken very seriously.
(source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/11/business/google-ascension-health-data.html)
Not only tech companies, but retailers like Walmart and Best Buy will attempt to try to enter the health care market. And consumer tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google will try to get their share as well. Amazon has already launched Amazon Care, a pilot health care service offering that is initially available to its employees in and around the Seattle area.
(source: https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/24/amazon-care-healthcare-service/)
Google’s future in health care has just started with “Google Health”. Google’s future goal is the development of artificial intelligence to read electronic health records and then try to predict or even identify medical conditions.
(source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/11/business/google-ascension-health-data.html
The role of technology will increase to deliver personalized, cost-effective patient care. Health care organizations are more and more addressing patients’ social needs in addition to their clinical needs to deliver patient-centered care and improve health outcomes. Social determinants of health (the factors outside of traditional care that impact a patient’s health) will be more and more important.
(source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/socialdeterminants/index.html)
Millennials are the leading force in shaping the future of healthcare. The oldest millennials are well into their 30s and are already causing significant changes in health care by making medical decisions for themselves, their young children, and their aging parents. Health organizations must ensure that they meet their specific needs.
These are just the first steps of an exciting journey into the future and we at PCG do our best to provide excellent service and innovative solutions as we venture together on that journey.
