Physician empowerment is the second big change of e-Health. Connectivity is replacing traditional telemedicine and is providing a new paradigm for health informatics. There are signs that e-Health is changing healthcare as we know it. There are new industries, new rules, new standards, and new ways of interacting among patients, practitioners, health authorities, and others. The majority of those who have gone online have looked for health information, information that they would prefer to get from their physicians.
Most online users expect the firms with which they do business to offer online services.
Most industries have met this need, but health care has lagged behind. There are a number of reasons, including ignorance, lack of resource, the perception that the use of IT demands more time, and the fear of change. In fact, the use of these technologies can be very liberating if used properly. They can improve office efficiency, enhance patient and provider satisfaction, increase economic efficiency, and improve clinical outcomes. This tutorial lead by a practicing physician and e-health expert, will discuss some of these technologies and explore ways in which they can be applied right away.