Guest Columnist
by Kirsten Jensen, Web Specialist
The future of Web technology opens a new door
Picture the "door" to your healthcare provider. You no doubt envision a designated entryway into a building. But what if the "door" were your computer screen?
Let's say, for instance, you have a medical condition that requires periodic monitoring, including a check of certain chemistry levels. Today, you come to your doctor's office for this monitoring, but what if you were able to administer the tests at home, input the information in your computer, then receive instant feedback? It would be easy, convenient and reliable. Sound unbelievable? Perhaps it does now, but in the future it may be entirely possible. The next level of Web technology will include more ways of connecting with patients than ever before.
In the coming years, we at MeritCare will focus on increased opportunities for you to "connect" through our Web site, meritcare.com – to have a two-way experience that benefits your health and helps you be a better partner in your healthcare. It might be connecting with your doctor's office when you have a question or concern. Connecting with others online who have a medical condition similar to yours. Or connecting with a specific department to track an aspect of your care through home-administered tests. All translate to another "door" to accessing the same healthcare provider you've trusted for years.
We look forward to the future of Web technology because we know people in this part of the country embrace it. Outside surveys indicate a high and growing rate of Internet access in this region; our statistics reflect it. In just one year alone, the number of visitors at meritcare.com more than doubled, climbing from 71,436 in 2000 to 146,439 in 2001. Visitors to the health library at meritcare.com have quadrupled, from 11,824 in 2000 to 49,385 in 2001. And if you're counting hits (a hit is logged every time a link is clicked or a picture is downloaded), we had 19.8 million in 2001. Visitors come from around the country – and the world – to view baby announcements, apply for jobs and read trusted health information.
Thank you for taking the time to visit meritcare.com. Come back often! Thank you, too, for providing feedback through our feedback form. Your opinions, ideas and needs help shape the future of Web technology at MeritCare.
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