SAN ANTONIO, TX, March 04, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Broadband technology can play a critical role in preparing the nation to be more competitive, in part through expanding access to - and improving the quality of - healthcare to minority and underserved populations.
That was one of the major messages to come out of the Broadband Opportunity Summit, co-sponsored by WellMed Medical Management, Inc. The February 25th Summit, at the Newseum in Washington D.C., was held the day after President Barack Obama laid out his economic initiatives targeting healthcare, education, and the environment. Comcast, Microsoft, and Verizon were the Summit's other major sponsors.
The purpose of the summit was to formulate recommendations for President Obama regarding effective use and implementation of broadband technology while building on the goals of the president's economic recovery plan.
"We can improve the quality of care and lower the costs through expanded use of broadband," said Richard Manning, Senior Vice President Strategic Projects & Services for WellMed Medical Management, who was the featured presenter on healthcare. "We can encourage people to seek preventive care and support caregivers in their efforts to keep their loved ones at home."
Manning gave an overview of WellMed's successful Electronic Medical Record (EMR) program. Many WellMed patients receive a free WellMed CARE Band, a new state-of-the-art electronic medical record device that fits on a key chain or on a simple rubber wristband. The CARE Band has a secure USB Flash Drive that connects to any Internet-connected computer, linking to a patient's medical record summary with critical information such as most recent medical records, allergy information and current and past prescriptions.
The CARE Band is a physician-sourced document, which means the WellMed Primary Care Physician is responsible for keeping the data on it up to date. It is envisioned as a potentially life-saving device that emergency medical personnel can use to access critical personal medical data. The CARE Band is the kind of technology that President Obama has promoted for its potential to improve the effectiveness of the nation's healthcare system.
Manning also stressed the importance of public/private partnerships to resolve barriers to progress. "Corporations have a responsibility to give back to the community and help resolve problems."
The summit was convened by Mark Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League; Janet Murguia, President & CEO of National Council of La Raza; Ralph B. Everett, President & CEO of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, David Honig, President & CEO of the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, Karen Narasaki, President & CEO of the Asian American Justice Center; and facilitated by Charlie Firestone of the Aspen Institute.
The event was attended by government, non-profit, and business representatives focusing on the needs of minority and underserved populations.
About WellMed Medical Management
WellMed Medical Management is a diversified healthcare company and insurance provider serving more than 80,000 patients and insured members, mostly Medicare-eligible seniors in Texas, Florida, Arkansas and New Mexico. WellMed is an industry leader in medical risk management, highly effective disease management and chronic care programs, healthcare delivery services, and more.
WellMed is South Texas' largest physician-owned practice management company, specializing in senior health care since 1990. With more than 30 medical clinics in Texas and Florida, the mission of the healthcare company and insurance provider is to change the face of healthcare delivery for seniors.
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