With the majority of health-care costs spent for the treatment of chronic

diseases and the reason for most emergency room visits being non-

emergencies, the time is ripe for telemedicine. Patients are tapping their

phones, tablets, and keyboards instead of making an office visit or trip to

the emergency room. Technology makes it possible for doctors to

consult with patients through Skype or Face Time on smartphones,

access medical tests via electronic medical records, and send a

prescription to a patient's local pharmacyall from miles away. The

telemedicine industry is still in its infancy, earning only $200 million in

annual revenue, but it is predicted to increase to an almost $2 billion

industry in just a few years. Technology isn't the only reason for this

industry's growth. The HITECH Act encouraging electronic medical

records is also adding fuel to this fire.

1. Research the telemedicine industry and describe two

companies offering services. What are the pros and cons of

offering medical services this way, and is there governmental or

industry guidance for this industry? (3 Marks)

2. In what stage of the product life cycle is telemedicine? What

role has mobile technology played in evolution of this industry?

Explain. (3 Marks)