If we tried to estimate whether our healthcare system is in better shape now than it was at the millenium, I am guessing we’d hear a resounding “No!” What has changed for the better? Perhaps only the technology and scientific knowledge we have accumulated since 2000.

But now the words “Healthcare Reform” are being bandied about like molten rocks, and are any of us really sure this isn’t just a bunch of bunk?

Regardless of how you would answer that question, it’s a good thing to know what’s on the horizon, regardless of how long it takes our donkey, or elephant, to get there.

Many of the positive things that the future holds for healthcare start with the word “electronic,” or the prefix “tele.” Yes, some doctors and patients are horrified by the internet and the latest technological advances that seek to change the old-school ways of doing things.

But, do you know what – even the naysayers in the medical ranks, and the Simple Susies in the waiting room, recognize one thing: electronic-”this” and tele-”that” are machines that ain’t gonna be stopped. The first things that may come to mind are Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which will be standard within several years.

The practice of telemedicine, which entails electronic communication in the delivery of healthcare – often between a doctor and patient in different locations — is gaining acceptance among health insurance carriers and, more slowly, the government.

Take, for instance, AccessRx. This website truly was a pioneer when, more than 10 years ago, it became one of the first online pharmacies to begin practicing telehealth over the internet. Now, more than 200,000 prescriptions have been provided to patients who have filled out an online health/medical questionnaire — primarily for lifestyle medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. (Thousands of prescription requests have been turned away as well.)

Now, several brave companies are stepping to the forefront of telemedicine by providing doctor consultations over the phone and through online video connections. The Hawaii Medical Service Association is contracting with Blue Cross to provide online medical consultations that bring together in-network patients with doctors.

AccessRx.com met last week with 15 doctors to get their views on where telemedicine is headed, and to assess their views on this emerging tool for the delivery of healthcare. Many doctors believe in online consultations, but many are taking a cautious approach until the legal framework is hashed out. Many state governments have only basic language to address telemedicine, and the federal government has considered only a small portion of conditions that could be covered by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS).

Simply put, the technology is here, but there are no concrete guidelines for using it. Which is a shame.

With “Healthcare Reform” continuing to be a major political debate, more and more patients are realizing that telemedicine is an efficient and more affordable way to receive healthcare. Face-to-face visits will always be necessary under many circumstances. However, telemedicine provides patients who perhaps live in rural areas or do not have health insurance, with necessary care that can often save a trip to the clinic or hospital.

Many state senators and representatives are getting on board with telemedicine now that they see the cost savings, and high quality of care that can still be provided. As more and more of our population grows up with the internet and bounding technologies, and as more and more of our Baby Boomer physicians continue to turn in their stethoscopes, telemedicine will take its place among the most popular and beneficial healthcare delivery options available.

There just ain’t no stoppin’ it.

For more information, see the American Telemedicine Association.

Brian Bujdos

Jason from http://www.iwearyourshirt.com will be wearing AccessRx.com’s shirt on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009. 

On Tuesday August 4th, AccessRx.com will give away a FREE iPod Touch & more.

We have been working hard to build up our online social communities this past month and could use a little boost.  We thought to ourselves… let’s see if we can get a boost by offering great prizes on twitter.

We will hold a random drawing on , Tuesday August 4th, 2009, where a follower of ours will be selected to win our grand prize:  an iPod Touch (approximate $300 retail value for the 16-gig model) and $200 to be given in their name to a charity of their choice.  No matter how many follwers we receive, we will select one grand-prize winner at random.

BONUS!!! If Accessrx.com reaches more than 2,000 followers by Tuesday, August 4th, 2009, we will also award 2 more iPod Touches (16-gig) and $400 in charity money (each of two additional winners will receive the iPod Touch and $200 for charity).

We will also be giving away at least 20 other prizes, regardless of how many followers we obtain (prizes have not yet been decided).

You can’t beat free prizes and money going to a good cause. 

AccessRx.com recently redesigned its website to include an abundance of new features, such as a customer care center and learning center. The new learning center includes: health articles, informative research articles, interactive quizzes and a company blog.

While you’re at it, join our other communities:

SlideShare.net, Facebook.com, Youtube.com and  StumbleUpon.com.

Brian Bujdos

Within the AccessRx.com redesign, we added some nice features to the website.  We added a learning center where you can read our informative blog, research section, and take the interactive quizzes.  The quizzes allow our customers or visitors to learn more about certain medical conditions & our products.  These quizzes are fun and interactive, so if you do not score 100% on each quiz – you can take them again or move on to the next one.

Quizzes AccessRx.com Offers:

Allergy quiz - See how much you know about allergies and what treatments are available.

Erectile Dysfunction quiz – Test your erectile dysfunction knowledge and see what treatments are available.

Genital Herpes Quiz – Test your genital herpes knowledge and see what treatments are available.

Propecia Quiz - Test your hair loss knowlege and see how propecia can help.

Quit Smoking Quiz – What does it take to quit smoking? Take the quiz and find out.

Weight Loss Quiz – How easy is it to lose 10 pounds? Take the quiz and find out.

If you would like to see another quiz offered on AccessRx.com, please send an email to marketing@accessrx.com.

Brian Bujdos

The AccessRx.com website has recently been completely updated, giving it a better layout and better overall appearance.  New features have also been added to the site, including health quizzes and a blog.  The new AccessRx.com makes it easier for visitors to navigate the site, obtain information, and purchase prescription medications online.

Brian Bujdos