• As I mentioned before I am a PA with 23 years experience in primary care.   I wrote a book... Surviving the business of Healthcare... and I advocate for better experiences.  I believe in better experiences and outcomes and am not afraid to say.... the system is right now needing life support....

I am not by any means tech savvy, but I have danced around several EMRS since 2003 and what I can say is in many ways is the practice of medicine is getting tougher and the dream of small practice ownership is dying away very quickly.  Many would still consider me old school because I do not use a computer in the room... I actually spend time and chat with my patients and examine them.   I review records on my lap top before I go into the room and after... once in a while I will grab it and use it when showing patients info  and yes...  I am done on time at the end of the day.....  I am all about efficiencies and better experiences for both the patient and the practitioner. 

Today, I am more and more convinced Block Chain could solve a lot of problems.  I hope you can relate to this and if you were in the ER you likely will. I had a patient that I worked up for Gallstones.  She had labs, Ultrasound and a surgical consult scheduled.  She was advised if pain fever... to go to the ER.  She did  I also told her to let the Drs know labs were done and also an ultrasound and where to find the results.  She had a copy of the reports but left them at home.  She get there and explains the situation and because they could not access the records... Guess what? Labs were done again,   ok I get that.... but imaging...repeat ultrasound and  also a CT with contrast was done.   Her symptoms were classic and yes diagnosis of Gallstones... that we already knew was confirmed.  

Block Chain for Centralized Data 

Had there been a centralized database with access to all records created on a block chain that was secure, verifiable my patient would have avoided unnecessary testing and got the care she needed quicker....  Patients would be happier as less money spent, less risk given the potential for an allergic reaction associated with CT scans and contrast, Insurance costs would be less due to eliminating the repeat testing, The CT scanner and ultrasound could have been available to someone who needed it quicker.  Just imagine how much redundancy there is with patient with chronic conditions and the potential. 

This is the tip of the iceberg on what Block chain could do not only for patients but for provider efficiency.  EMRS as they stand today are missing key functionality and  as a first step I hope to see real centralization and ability to access from anywhere.   That alone would be a huge game changer.

Tip for today outside the crypto convo--- when you fill an rx... you do not have to use your insurance if you are fortunate to have it -- check the cash price and down load an app like Good RX.  Did you know you can save a lot?  My patients do.... challenge.... think of a med - antibiotic or blood pressure med that is costing more then you think you should pay.... do your homework...   here's a couple examples   PHX AZ  good RX   Augmentin grocery store average price for 20 pills  13.39   Z pack  grocery stores 5.37.   for BP losartan 50 mg 90 pills    grocery store 11.90....   I have no interest other than calling out that your health is your business and time to save money.   I am not lost... I am here to learn with you about crypto.   would love comments and followers.   I have a lot to say about the potential for block chain in healthcare because that is what I do... time for us all to be empowered....   askthepa :)