America's Healthcare is about to get much...better?

America used to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world. But now, it’ll be much…better!

I keep hearing concern about what is going to happen to our healthcare system, and I get it…prices increasing, shortage of doctors, regulations.

But here’s a thought. What has made our system great is innovation. That’s what’s going to make it even better despite headwinds trying to hold it back. There is a Major Societal Trend…even a movement, which will keep our Healthcare great. That is the consumer.

[NOW you get it. I'm a Retail and CPG guy focused on the consumer…probably wondering WHY I’d be writing on Healthcare…BUT HERE COMES THE CONSUMER!!!]

Globally we see the customer taking control of every aspect of their lives. They bank when, how, and where they want. Check in for a flight…I’ll use an app. Shop in a store? Why waste the time and gas when I know I’ll find what I want on Amazon. I’m in control (I think…).

Healthcare has been slower to adapt to this world of personal choice. Insurer and caregivers haven’t needed to drive personalization and modern marketing to the patient because the relationship has between the insurer and the employer who chose health plans. This left the consumer out of the loop. But this is changing. The number of Healthcare apps has doubled in the last 2.5 years, and will grow 700% in the next 2 years (ref research2guidance)! Consumers are demanding to be in control here too. So what trends are we seeing and where can this take us?

• Retail Doctors. Doctors or nurses offices where you want...the supermarket, a strip mall...and no appointments or waiting!
• APPs. Direct contact to insurance and payment records. Quick access to doctors’ offices and appointment information. Even your health records! All in the palm of your hands!
• Doctor/Nurse Phone Lines. Not sure if it's a serious problem? Insurers are offering convenient   phone lines you can call to get simple medical advice. (Saves them money, too!)
• Watson. This is IBM's cognitive computing. It helps researchers looking to cure diseases. Watson also helps doctors with tricky diagnosis. Who knows how far it will go. Maybe one day it'll answer patient's questions in an app! That would put ultimate control in the hands of the patient!   But I don't think you have to call it Dr. Watson.

The "Affordable Care Act" aka "Obama Care" ... the same thing throwing our healthcare upside down, is forcing the Healthcare Industry to put the patient first. This is driving innovation and personalization, which is good for the consumer/patient.

Innovations like Watson are helping Doctors and Researchers improve care and service. Personalization is putting the patient in charge allowing them to access healthcare on their own terms.

In the words of Alex Huxley, 'It’s a Brave New World'...and that's a good thing!

So what innovations in healthcare would YOU like to see????

If you'd like to know more about how IBM can drive innovation and personalization is your industry, let me know!!!