The Chief Executive Officer of Tempus, Eric Lefkofsky had a detailed interview on Bloomberg and explained why he believes data-driven medicine is the solution to most of the problems witnessed in the healthcare industry. It was an interview that revealed lots of things that people have yet to know about this technology, how it can help in managing medical records, and how it is likely to change things. Tempus, a company that also provides these medical solutions, boasts of more than 250 companies on their network. The company is also one the fastest growing enterprises in its niche.
A better way to access patient information
The CEO kicked off the interview by pointing out how the healthcare industry is in trouble because of lack of proper methods to store patient data. While stressing the need to access such information regardless of where one may be, he said that data-driven medicine is the way to go. For example, he pointed out that technology is used extensively in other industries, but it is not much in use when it comes to healthcare. He spoke passionately about the need for patients and doctors have better systems for the management of patient data. His company has already set the standards when it comes to this technology, and the benefits are already known.
A good example, according to Eric Lefkofsky, is the treatment process that cancer patients often have to go through. He noted that it is challenging to record personal information from such patients and urged medical professionals to try the new method that his company offers. Indeed, many unfortunate situations occur almost every day because of this problem. It is saddening to note that lives can be lost just because there is no proper way to manage data. If they start mining data on the internet scale, things will be much easier. He also noted that it becomes even more difficult if large-scale records are used, but technology is the only sure way to avoid any mistakes.
Lowering the costs of healthcare
According to Lefkofsky, there will be a significant effect on all aspects of healthcare, not just the costs. When he was pressed to say whether the prices will be lowered, he said it is good to focus on the bigger picture. For instance, the introduction of such systems is likely to increase efficiency. This means that people will enjoy high-quality services apart from eliminating all errors that arise from poor handling of information. However, he also said that the overall cost of health services is likely to go down massively thanks to the new technology.
About ethical issues
The interview that was broadcast live on Bloomberg also focused on ethical issues that are likely to arise because of the use of data-driven medicine. Just like any other internet based application, the fear of unethical use of data will always occur. However, Lefkofsky says that this should not be a significant concern. He observed that Tempus already has a system in place, and they have not experienced such problems. It was his observation that personal data would be safer when hospitals use technology as opposed to some of the systems that have been in use for a long time.
Who is Eric Lefkofsky?
Eric is a well-known name when it comes to technology and healthcare. Before starting Tempus where he is CEO, he founded Light bank which invests in disruptive technology. He was part of the team that began Mediaocean and is the chair of Groupon. Lefkofsky has a family foundation through which he offers private charity. The graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Chicago is also an adjunct professor and a published author.