Part of the reason American health care costs are so high: The newest miniature echocardiogram machines fit into a doctor’s white-coat pocket and, placed on the chest during an office exam, provide a snapshot of the heart. No longer do physicians have to listen for subtle clicks and whooshes through a stethoscope. Even primary care doctors in training can use the devices, which sell for well under $10,000, to detect basic heart problems with a few hours of instruction, according to studies. Such machines are being widely used in other countries and in pilot programs at some medical schools, but they are receiving a lukewarm welcome in the United States. Mr. Charlap’s internist has not used one on him. It brings $350,000 imaging technology to the bedside as a screening test, at almost no cost,” said Dr. Topol, who added that it would be useful on hospital rounds. “But it’s not being embraced because of our model of payment.”
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:45:47 +0000
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