VIRTUAL HOUSE CALLS
The Internet is now viewed by some as having a role in the monitoring of a patient's health and a means to deliver care at home. Two examples are services from DiabeticsWell and Medtronic.

Using a glucose reader attached to their personal computer, diabetics can use the Internet to transmit their blood-sugar test results to DiabeticsWell www.diabeticswell.com. The results are reviewed at DiabeticsWell by a nurse or doctor and turned into a graph to highlight any abnormal results or patterns that have developed over time. In addition to the regular downloads, clinic staff have weekly email contact with the diabetic. The service costs $19.95 per month and isn't covered by most health insurance companies. Johnson & Johnson developed the glucose reader and is an investor in DiabeticsWell.

Working with IBM and Microsoft, Medtronic has begun developing a monitor/transmitter that will "read" information from the patient's pace makers, defibrillators and cardiac-pacing devices. Information on the heart rate, status of the electrical lead and battery strength is then transmitted to the cardiologist via the Internet. The ultimate plan is to use a secure Internet connection that will allow the cardiologist to program the devices without the patient having to leave home. The service is expected to be available by late 2001. (Sources: Wall Street Journal, 1/17/2000 and 1/24/2000).

e-ELEVATORS
Otis Elevators has announced plans to install video screens in some of their elevators. The video screens, mounted above the elevator doors, will display news, advertisements and other content downloaded from the Internet from Next Generation Networks of Minneapolis. The screens will not have sound so not to "disturb" the passengers. Ad revenues will be split between the building owners, Otis and Next Generation Networks. (Source: Wall Street Journal, 12/7/1999).

SMART APPLIANCES
Sunbeam has introduced a line of "smart appliances" that can communicate with one another using the home's electrical wiring. The new products include a clock, electric blanket, coffee maker, smoke detector, mixer, bathroom scale and blood pressure monitor. The smart appliances will be controlled from a kitchen console or personal digital device (PDA). In addition to communicating with each other, some will be connected to the Internet. The new alarm clock can display local news or weather information downloaded from the Internet and the blood-pressure monitor can email the readings to the physician's office. (Source: Wall Street Journal, 1/14/2000).

RIDDLE
What is the pattern in these numbers? 8, 5, 4, 9, 1, 7, 6, 3, 2, 0. The answer will be published next month.
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Technology Tidbits is published monthly by Jerry Price, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
© 2000 Jerry W. Price

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