As technology continues to penetrate the business of health care, more hospitals and physician groups are working to adopt and modernize their practices, introducing features such as telemedicine to offer convenience.

Jupiter Medical Center, a not-for-profit institution with capacity to treat more than 500 patients at a time, is the latest organization to launch an online platform to treat patients remotely – think Skype, but for when someone needs help with a sudden cold or rash.

The regional hospital announced Monday the launch of Care Anywhere, a private remote-access platform that can be downloaded on both Apple and Android app stores and accessed via desktop, tablet or smartphone.

“In today’s busy world, there are times when getting to the doctor’s office just isn’t possible – either it is after office hours or you’re simply unable to make the trip,” said Judy Magalhaes, Jupiter Medical Center’s VP of Ambulatory Services.

Founded in 1979, Jupiter Medical Center has about 1,600 team members, 615 physicians and 640 volunteers. The hospital has the capacity to treat more than 300 patients simultaneously on-site, in addition to offering care at three urgent care facilities. The debut of Care Anywhere is the latest, and most tech-oriented, move by the hospital to be more accessible.

Miami Children’s Health System followed a similar route in April with the launch of MCH Anywhere.

The telehealth market is projected to be worth more than $38 billion by 2022, while a consumer survey found that seven out of 10 patients are comfortable with seeing their doctor virtually, instead of in person. Meanwhile, more than 25 states have passed bills requiring insurance companies to cover telehealth appointments.

Source: SFBJ