While medicine stays abreast of much technology, medical records are mostly behind the times. A majority of hospitals still rely on pen and paper for communications and record keeping.  In 2000 most businesses spent an average of $8000 per employee to improve on technological aspects, the medical industry spent a mere $1000 per employee for updates. With a technology update the medical industry could save approximately $1.6 trillion dollars per year. Such things that could be improved on are:

• Doctor's offices would have web sites to set up and confirm appointments.
• Medical records and test results would be accessible on line.
• Home diagnostic devices, blood pressure and the like, could be wirelessly transmitted to the doctor's office.
• Rural offices would have video access to larger medical facilities for far reaching treatment needs.

These are just a few of the areas in which our antiquated medical administration could be updated for a more user friendly medical experience. Maybe doctors will offer free services or discounted medications with all the money this technology will save.