On Tuesday, the Institute for Policy Innovation hosted a briefing focused on innovations in healthcare, specifically in the growing industry of mobile health. Keynote speaker, Representative Michael Burgess noted the rapid growth of the health IT industry and emphasized the importance of promoting policies to stimulate innovation. Mobile health technologies are expanding the opportunities for doctors and patients to interact, saving thousands in medical costs and providing higher-quality healthcare. For example, a patient can communicate with their doctor via a smartphone or tablet device to receive a diagnosis.

Eleanor Chye, Executive Director of the AT&T Mobility Product, mHealth and Pharma, discussed the work AT&T has been doing in the health IT sector. AT&T, a Broadband for America member, is piloting a program that will develop wireless, networked and cloud-based solutions for the healthcare industry. They are focused on finding accessible mobile health solutions for patients, doctors and healthcare professionals regardless of carrier company or device.

John Walls, Vice President of Public Affairs at CTIA –The Wireless Association, another Broadband for America member, cited a CTIA/Harrison Interactive study that found nearly 80 percent of consumers said they are interested in mobile health solutions. The study also found that mobile health innovations has the potential to save $21 billion. One cause of concern, however, is the continued increase in mobile traffic and the shrinking availability of spectrum to compensate. 　　

Other individuals who spoke at the event included Anand Iyer, Ph.D., President and COO of WellDoc Communications, Inc and Richard J. Katz, M.D,, Director of Cardiology at George Washington University Hospital.