Technology and Doctors

The quality of patient care, access to care and doctor productivity are all increasing with as a result of technology. Doctors are using it more than they did in the past to perform surgeries using robotic arms, lasers and even sound waves. Doctors are using technology to diagnose diseases more accurately. By increasing their use of technology, doctors have been able to also save money and reduce errors that may lead to malpractice lawsuits.

Surgical Technologies

• Robots and miniature cameras are technologies being used by doctors to perform minimally invasive surgeries. For instance, Dr. Omar Hamoui used a SIRS or Single Incision Robotic Surgery to remove a section of a patient's kidney, according to "Hernando Today." The procedure was done by inserting the robotic arms into an incision. Then the doctor sat at a machine and controlled the robot throughout the operation. Since it was done through a small incision, the patient's recovery time was less. Another way surgeons are using technology is through laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery, in which operations are performed on the abdomen by making small incisions, and images are magnified using video, improving a surgeon's work.

iPad and Tablets

• Many doctors now use iPads and tablets to prescribe medication, keep track of patients' records and do research. Several applications for the iPad such as Salient Surgical Technologies or Drchrono, offer web-based healthcare platforms with an app that allows doctors to carry patients' electronic health records with them and write e-prescriptions for patients. In addition, doctors can schedule appointments, do paperless billing and conduct drug interaction tests and X-rays, EKGs and MRIs can be uploaded to add to patient's electronic health records with these devices. A another new app gives doctors access to electrocardiographs (ECGs) so that they can analyze them remotely. The FDA is just beginning to explore new possibilities of how tablets and the iPad can be used to change and improve the healthcare profession.

Digital Imaging Technology

• Many doctors are now using digital imaging technologies such as MRIs, CAT scans, X-rays, EKGs, 3D images and videotaped evaluations such as virtual colonoscopies to diagnose and operate on patients. MRIs are currently being used to detect Alzheimer's and cancer among many other diseases. EKG monitors can detect and identify conditions that could lead to a future heart attack. Cat scans can identify tumors and help doctor's locate and remove them as well abnormal structures in a patient's body, such as bullets. The American Optometric Association is trying to speed the adoption of 3D technology to identify eye conditions in patients.

Electronic Medical Records

• Electronic medical records (EMRs) or electronic health records (EHRs) are computerized medical records that keep track of a patient's information. Before they were created, doctors handwrote everything, and more errors were made in prescriptions and treatment; one reason being that if a person was seeing different doctors they would have diverse medical records. The U.S. government helped physicians transition over to EMRs by offering a $819 billion economic stimulus in 2009, according to HealthcareITNews. The goal was to improve care by reducing errors and duplication and ultimately bring down costs.