Article Blog 8: Dell and the Health Care Industry (March 7, 2010)

In comes as no surprise that with the improvements and popularity in technology, the medical field has also seen rises and enhancements in related technology. In the article, “Dell to Sell Services for AMA's New E-records,” (see link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hOZw_kHMl7XzP-mzANycInQH5mdAD9E5TUP81) Jessica Mintz explains that Dell Inc. wants to spread out its business by selling computer hardware and technology to medical practices that hope to use new electronic medical records. Mintz writes, “Dell said that under the deal it will provide technology consulting, computer hardware and follow-up support for doctors who decide to use new software from the American Medical Association. The system is aimed at doctors who aren't closely affiliated with a larger hospital, and it includes Web-based tools for writing electronic prescriptions, ordering and viewing lab results and storing patient medical records.” Hospitals and other medical offices having been using Dell computer for years now, using them as servers and data storage devices, but as society becomes more technologically advanced, there might possibly be a shift from the typical medical records to electronic ones.

This idea of Dell wanting to branch out and provide alternative methods for medical records and other uses, not only comes at a time when technology is the center of everyone’s focus, but also at a time when America is in a serious healthcare debate. The healthcare technology industry is becoming a major focus on people’s agenda. In the article, “Dell Ramps up Healthcare Involvement with New Hardware Technology for Medical Field,” (see link: http://healthcare.tmcnet.com/topics/healthcare/articles/77152-dell-ramps-up-healthcare-involvement-with-new-hardware.htm) Kelly McGuire writes, “With security being another major factor in adopting new healthcare procedures, Dell’s reported release of a new business venture could make its mark and answer many of healthcare’s questions.” This new advancement in the medical field will impact society in numerous ways. People are already beginning to pay their taxes and bills online and do countless other things with computers. It was only a matter of time before doctors use technology in the same regards by writing electronic prescriptions, ordering and viewing lab results, and storing patient medical records. This new idea of transforming the medical field will undoubtedly take full effect in the near future. With technology becoming the center of everyone’s lives, the medical field will adapt to fit this technological society.