Technology and Healthcare: Breaking Down Doctor-Patient Barriers – Guest Post by Howard J. Luks, MD

Mary Pat’s Note: I want to share these thoughts about technology and the doctor-patient relationship from Dr. Howard Luks. Dr. Luks is a member of the Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media, a fantastic follow on twitter, and originally posted these on his site, which is a recommended read for anyone interested in healthcare.

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Technology conjures images of steel and gadgets.  Parts and pieces. Bells and whistles.  It’s sophisticated. Intriguing.  High tech. But it’s well… cold and impersonal. Or is it? Many of us have witnessed firsthand the things that distance patients from doctors. Status. Knowledge. Jargon. Peculiar equipment. Rushed visits. Should we add technology to the mix?

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