Paul Grundy, MD, Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM's global director of healthcare transformation, discussed changes coming down the pipeline in the healthcare industry, during the Transforming Our Health forum in New Philadelphia, Ohio, according to TimesReporter.com.
Here are four insights:
1. He emphasized how critical the physician-patient relationship will continue to be, built upon trust.
2. Care delivery is transforming everywhere, such as in Tulsa, Okla., where specialists receive compensation for answering primary care physicians' questions. Specialists then don't need to see patients who can receive necessary care from their PCPs.
3. Technology is also surging ahead in healthcare, with Dr. Grundy noting machines can now analyze patients' facial expressions and quite accurately determine if they are depressed.
4. In a Vermont community, a coordinator connects recently diagnosed patients with certain groups, such as a diabetic hiking club, and services, such as a pharmacist to help with medication management.