Broadband-Enabled Mobile Devices Revolutionizing Treatment for Chronic Diseases

Broadband-supported mobile health systems can make a profound difference in the lives of patients with chronic health problems. According to FCC Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn, who recently addressed the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies:

Mobile health, or mHealth, solutions can provide effective, affordable and immediate ways for health professionals and patients to better manage their condition and help patients adhere to a treatment regimen. Diabetes patients can monitor their glucose levels easily, and prescription refills can be made instantaneously.

Programs taking advantage of mobile health are on the rise. By targeting high-risk populations through low-barrier means like mobile phones access to health resources is higher than ever. These systems are powered by robust broadband connections, enabling low-income individuals inexepensive access to mobile health applications.

One online health record management system, NoMoreClipboard.com, lets diabetic patients in a Washington DC-based program track their weight and glucose levels online. Warning messages are generated if patients fall into high-risk situations, allowing them to act quickly to clear up problems before they require hospitalization.

These localized programs should be expanded to reach patients across America. For mobile health to get the breadth of implementation it requires, the US will need a robust network of broadband connected records, doctors, and hospitals.

These health-monitoring systems could also have a big impact on medical costs for many with chronic diseases.

Remote monitoring of patients with chronic diseases could save $197 billion in direct costs over 25 years, by reducing emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and the length of stays in hospitals.

The growth of mobile health options, broadband-based telehealth, and the FCC's support of research and development for new medical devices is an encouraging step towards combating America's chronic health problems. Never before has being "connected" played such a personal role in the health of patients and their families.

Prepared Remarks of Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn, Mobile Broadband and Chronic Disease Management, Before the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Washington, DC