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There is a high gap in the quality of health care received by U.S. and Chinese citizens. The five-year survival rate for cancer patients is two times higher in the U.S., 66 percent to 31 percent, according to the South China Morning Post. Docflight is hoping to bridge the gap for people in China by connecting them with doctors in the U.S.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine uses tech to make it easier for patients to receive treatment from doctors. It’s also a growing segment of the global healthcare market. Market Data Forecast projects its market size will grow from more than $25 billion in 2015 to almost $58 billion in 2020. Telemedicine bridges the geographic gap between patients and doctors. If someone is sick with restricted access to travel, they can use telemedical services to visit their doctor virtually.
Docflight focuses on helping patients that live in China. Due to its large population and current hospital-centric health care model that rewards volume and sales, patients don’t get more than a few minutes with their doctors during visits.
Docflight works like a consultation. The system digitally processes the information about the patient and matches them with a specialist. Next, a computer translates patient medical records. These are reviewed by a person to ensure accuracy. Finally, Docflight schedules a virtual appointment. The U.S.-based doctor is accompanied by a Docflight translator and staff, and a doctor in China may also participate.
There are valid criticisms and drawbacks to telemedicine. For example, a video screen limits a doctor’s ability to examine their patient physically. There are also worries about misdiagnosing conditions. Docflight argues that their doctors don’t write prescriptions or perform procedures. Their doctors are also covered by malpractice insurance.
Takeaway: Telemedicine helps people receive better medical treatment
Telemedicine has some intrinsic limitations, but it provides access to much-needed help in situations without alternatives. Telemedicine eliminates distance as a limiting factor for patients who need to see a doctor, using technology to broaden health care access to patients who need it most.
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