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My predictions for healthcare in 2019

by Philip F. Jacobus, CEO | December 19, 2018

FOCUS ON WORKFLOW - As imaging IT like PACS and RIS become smarter and more integrated the enterprise, patient data will follow them through the care continuum. This new focus on workflow will pay dividends by making providers more efficient, providing more personalized care to a larger volume of patients.

PROTON THERAPY: ACCESS AND TREATMENT IMPROVE - Every year we see proton therapy grow and 2019 will be no different. In the U.S. we are expecting to see insurance coverage get better as evidence for the treatment's value becomes more defined. We are also expecting Flash therapy -- where the beam is delivered in high doses, at ultra-high speeds over fewer sessions -- to make waves as researchers explore its clinical value.

RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS BECOME DOMESTIC - With the support of government funding, U.S. companies are closing in on their ability to supply Moly-99 for SPECT imaging. This is good news considering the precarious global supply chain currently involved in obtaining the tracer.

THERANOSTICS - One of the most exciting things happening in molecular imaging concerns the combining of diagnostics with therapy. While one tracer finds the tumor, another goes in and kills it. Mounting evidence shows that these techniques could make a huge impact on diseases such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer, among others.

MR WITHOUT CHILLERS - We are already seeing some manufacturers, such as Philips, introduce MR systems that require no chillers or vent pipes. That means helium becomes less of a factor and system maintenance is simplified.

ACA REPEAL TALK IS OVER - Now that Democrats are taking over the House of Representatives, expect to see more bipartisan efforts to move the needle on healthcare.

REPLACEMENT CYCLE CONTINUES TO GROW - Providers can't afford to swap out or upgrade their capital equipment. This trend puts increasing importance on total cost of ownership as a purchasing factor and flexible service contracts will become more popular as facility's seek to avoid downtime.

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About Phil Jacobus

Phil Jacobus has been involved in health care since 1977, when he visited China to sell equipment. He has done business in 35 countries and still travels extensively. Phil is active in charity, helps rural clinics and always tries to help DOTmed users when he can.

Phil is a member of AHRA, HFMA, AAMI and the Cryogenic Society of America. He has contributed to a number of magazines and journals and has addressed trade groups.

Phil's proudest achievement is that he has been happily married to his wife Barbara since 1989, who helped him found DOTmed in 1998.

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