New virtual feature allows patients to share photos with physicians as part of care.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has launched a new virtual feature available on KP.org,according to a press release. The goal of the “medical selfie” program is to speed identification and treatment of potential serious conditions.
Using a secure email server, this telemedicine feature allows patients to transmit digital images of conditions such as rashes, wounds or other injuries directly to their physicians to aid in the communication and diagnosis process. It allows patients to quickly provide information that could aid doctors in identifying serious issues or better manage a patient’s condition.
“We’re excited for our members to connect with their doctors through this new and convenient digital feature,” said Grant Okawa, MD, associate medical director of Knowledge Management at Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “What’s truly innovative is that the photo will also go directly into the patient’s medical record, which allows our integrated care teams to more efficiently and effectively consult on a case.”
Patients will have to option to transmit images or digital PDFs to their doctor, including documents such as work forms that require a physician’s signature. This feature will ease communication and help make the diagnosis and treatment process more efficient.
Kaiser Permanente is an innovative healthcare technology leader, pushing to accelerate the adoption of digital healthcare. Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect, the largest private electronic medical records system in the world, and My Health Manager, the personal health record portal for patients on KP.org, already provide a number of telemedicine options, including online access to lab and X-ray results, prescription refills, appointment scheduling and patient-physician communication.
Providing healthcare to Hawaiians for over 50 years, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii includes physicians from the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii.
