mHealth on The Colbert Report: Dr. Eric Topol [VIDEO]

I’m returning back after a few days with family, and what better way to start up than with Stephen Colbert and his interview with Dr. Eric Topol from the West Wireless Institute.  I first started covering some of Dr.

I’m returning back after a few days with family, and what better way to start up than with Stephen Colbert and his interview with Dr. Eric Topol from the West Wireless Institute.  I first started covering some of Dr. Topol’s presentations from 2008 and 2010 with TED; he was also involved with the Scripps personalized medicine program that began back in 2008. Back then, I agreed with him that wireless was somewhat forgotten down the line, and perhaps everyone was just not ready yet.

Colbert does a good job here with the interview and demonstration of the mobile products, including the AliveCor cell phone ECG cardiogram, which the FDA approved a few months ago. In addition, small wrist monitor is shown that can be used at hospitals.

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What is also great here is the fact that Colbert hits the marketing side of this, where we need to start licensing and excise taxing data sellers: “Will I be getting a text message offering big discounts on caskets?” he asked after Dr. Topol explained how monitoring works.  This can all be good if the “profit folks” don’t twist and turn things, and accuracy with ethics is maintained. They talk about a heart attack ring tone to give advance warning, to which Colbert replies, “Oh yes, insurance companies will give a discount to those wearing devices”…and then again we return to the “casket ad.” 

Original video