The Virtual Meeting Coach

photo credit: boltron-

In a little over a week, President-Elect Obama will take his seat in the Oval Office.

I’m thrilled! I’m way past ready to see CHANGE come to Washington.  I’m especially ready to see change in our healthcare system!

Yet, despite the deep joy I feel about Obama’s inauguration, I won’t be holding my breath about how fast our new President will be able to deliver on his promises to make affordable healthcare available to every American citizen.

I grew up in Washington, DC. And, after 58 years on the planet, I know that no matter how much HOPE we share, the US government moves slowly, at best.

The good news is that business moves faster.

And, in case you haven’t heard, this month doctors are already making house calls again, courtesy of some innovative new projects from companies like American Well and LiveMDExpert.

photo credit: vieux bandit and a.drian.

Doctor Johnson Is Here to See You, Susan … ONLINE

Thanks to the vision of companies like American Well and LiveMD Expert, a  few simple strokes of the keyboard can now make doctors available for consultations right in your home. Or at your office.  Or in your neighborhood coffee shop. Via the Internet.

You can go online or phone into a system to select the type of physician you need and then select from a list of available specialists.  Through American Well, members whose health insurers carry the online service can choose from a list of doctors who are members of their healthplan and begin an immediate consultation. Members whose health insurance provider offers online plans have a co-payment. Non-members will pay from $35-45. Through LiveMDExpert, anyone can choose the type of physician you need and schedule your own “house call”, choosing from times available on his or her calendar. Fees range from $35 to $75 or more for a live, one-on-one consultation with a specialist.

Whether you’re looking for a second opinion or need ongoing monitoring of a pregnancy or chronic condition, both of these services offer real value. Particularly for people with limited mobility and people living in remote areas.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Hawaii already offers American Well services and more insurers are expected to provide it in the months to come.

There’s certainly a lot to say about this new kind of home-based care and I expect to host some provocative guests and commentary soon to expand this posting.

In the interim, I suggest you visit the two sites yourself and watch their video introductions. Or check out “The Doctor Will See You Now – Online,” published early in November ‘08 by the NY Times.

Regardless of long it takes the Obama administration to sort out the mess in our healthcare system, I assure you, remote physician services and home-based care are coming to your home … or a home near you. Soon.

A couple of questions you might want to consider with your families as you check out these new possibilities:

1) What skills will you need to develop to make the most of virtual meetings with your doctors?

2) What skills will you need to help older family members?

3) What “tele-presence” skills will your doctors need to develop in order to ensure you fully receive the care they’re offering?

The times they are indeed a changin’. I’d love to hear your thoughts…

Chayse and Jerry : Cisco Digital Cribs

Twitter totally rocks! In the last 48 hours, I’ve met three new colleagues there including James Corbett from Vizitant. It thrills me when I find new people whose passions overlap mine and James is one. Expect a guest post from him to show up here very soon.

Until that happens, here’s a sweet little 5-minute video produced by Cisco that James is also sharing on his blog. Interestingly, it’s not about their new high-end tele-presence systems for business. Instead, it focuses on the simplicity of using everyday laptops and desktop systems as multimedia communication devices.

This video shows actor Jerry Ying’s love affair with his young daughter, Chayse, and how their family uses videoconferencing to be together when they can’t be together face-to-face. Enjoy! (The embed from Cisco seems to be operating erratically. If it’s not showing,  please use the link below.)

CHAYSE AND JERRY

I’ll be the first to admit that virtual meetings aren’t always the most effective way to connect.