But that may soon change. The Internet, and e-health programs, can have significant impacts on both quality of care and the cost of care. What the doctor writes down is interpreted in terms of prescriptions or type of care. With the Internet, that process can be completely automated so that notes and prescriptions are automatically downloaded into printed words on a computer screen.
Medical costs are also on the rise.
We can cut those costs if we use the Internet to improve the efficiency of administration. That should have a moderating impact on premiums. For instance, in the future when a member visits the doctor, he or she might swipe a card that would automatically show the office staff the member's eligibility, patient information, etc. When the visit is over, the doctor would send the claim through the Internet and receive reimbursement through a program called E-pay the next day. An electronic bill would be sent to the employer, who would also pay via the Internet.