During his keynote at CTIA, Scripps Health's Dr. Eric Topol outlined a top ten list for conditions and diseases that are already benefiting from wireless health services or soon will. Here's Topol's Top Ten (in alphabetical order) with a figure of the number of Americans affected by each condition or disease. Did he miss any notable opportunities?
Top Ten Targets for Wireless Medicine
Alzheimer's: 5 million Americans. Wireless sensors can track the vital signs of patients as well as their location, activity, and balance.
Asthma: 20 million Americans. Wireless can track the respiratory rate and peak flow so patients can use inhalers before an attack occurs.
Breast Cancer: 3 million Americans. Women can use a wireless ultrasound device at home and send the scan to the doctor--won't have to go in for a mammogram.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD): 10 million Americans. Wireless can monitor FEV1, air quality and oximetry.
Depression: 19 million Americans. Wireless can monitor medication compliance, activity and communication.
Diabetes: 21 million Americans. Wireless can monitor blood glucose and hemoglobin.
Heart Failure: 5 million Americans. Wireless can monitor cardiac pressures, fluids, weight and blood pressure.
Hypertension: 74 million Americans. Wireless can continuously monitor blood pressure and track medication compliance.
Obesity: 80 million Americans. Wireless scales can track weight and wireless sensors can track calories in/out and activity levels.
Sleep disorders: 15 million Americans. Wireless sensors can monitor each of the phases of sleep for quality of rest, detect apnea and track vital signs.
