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October 1, 2008 The past decade has yielded quantum improvements in
information systems technology. We routinely book our airplane tickets
online and, in fact, are penalized for booking over the phone. Coupon
clipping is being replaced by obtaining the bar code online for the
$1.50 off on diapers or $.75 off on cereal. Even in rural North Carolina
I can order a pizza on my computer. Walt Disney World is using mass
customization to enhance their guest’s experience.
Medicine, on the other hand, has been relatively slow to adopt the
advances that digital technology offers. This is not surprising -
medicine, as most of us practices it, is a cottage industry and
ophthalmology is a cottage industry of cottage industries. We have our
own little ways of charting, appointment scheduling, phone answering,
contact lens inventorying and billing. Change is slow and sometimes
painful, but there is no doubt in my mind that information systems and
digital technology are marching forward and there is no turning
back. Can you imagine what this whole |
Robert C. Campbell, MD
Parkwood Eye Center,
Elkin, NC
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