Are health and blockchain in the slow lane?

Last week at the Blockchain Expo in London, a panel of health professionals discussed blockchain for the health sector. Many believe Electronic Medical Records (EMR) on the blockchain is one of the most compelling applications. It could save lives and preserve money for struggling healthcare systems. While the panel had exciting ideas, the takeaway was it would take a long time to change anything in major Western economies.

The problems

Karim Babay, CEO of telemedicine provider Healthsapiens stated that in the USA 70% of emergency room visits are unnecessary. The outpatient sessions are mainly because the patient can’t get an appointment with their regular healthcare professional. Each emergency room visit costs an average of $1500. Dr. Sarvi Banisadr, a surgeon who worked at the NHS for 15 years, mentioned the estimated $200m in unnecessary tests done every year in the US.

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