Advancements in Doctor's Offices & Emergency Rooms in the Past 25 Years

Doctor's offices and emergency rooms are equipped with several types of medical equipment and technological advances that were rarely seen 25 years ago. More patients are easily diagnosed and taken care of because of these advances in testing and tools. Although there are debates that these advancements are a reason for the high cost of doctor's fees and consultations, there can be no question that they help people get better.

Medical Equipment

• A quarter of a century ago, medical equipment such as the ultrasound machine were rarely seen in small doctor's offices and clinics. These devices are now smaller in size, more affordable, and their operation was simplified. Emergency rooms are also equipped with such devices, providing immediate diagnosis and treatment to patients. Another example is the portable defibrillator. In the 1960s, a portable defibrillator was introduced, but was never really used until the 1970s. The popularity of the portable defibrillator increased during the 1980s and was widely used in ambulances and emergency rooms. Several doctor's offices specializing in heart conditions are also equipped with defibrillators in case of an emergency.

Minor Operations

• Since medical equipment and devices are readily available in doctor's offices and emergency rooms, minor operations can now be done without the patient going through the process of hospitalization. Doctors who provide office-based surgeries must follow certain laws depending on the state they are practicing in. Certain medical equipment is required, and specialists such as anesthesiologists are needed before proceeding with any operation. The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), founded in 1979, is the responsible party that manages the accreditation process of office-based surgery centers.

Telemedicine

• Telemedicine can be defined as the process of using the latest telecommunications technology to provide or speed up the process of health care services. Telemedicine, including telediagnosis and teleconsults, is gaining more popularity in doctor's offices and emergency rooms. Through telemedicine, doctor's offices and hospitals can link through a database, providing all the necessary information for a certain patient in a matter of minutes. This greatly speeds up the process of updating a patient's medical record and even transmitting diagnostic reports like x-ray and laboratory test results.