Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai met with leaders of Ochsner Health System (Ochsner) and innovationOchsner (iO) to discuss Ochsner’s commitment to innovation and tour the system’s flagship facility. Chairman Pai, who was appointed to his position in January of 2017, has a special interest in utilization of technology and telehealth services to improve healthcare access and quality.
“Connected health has the power to transform the lives of patients across the country. I saw that firsthand at Ochsner Health System where we discussed the importance of connectivity to telehealth and telemedicine initiatives. That’s why I’m committed to continuing my work at the FCC to harness the power of technology to improve the health of all Americans,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
A pioneer in healthcare innovation and digital health, Ochsner briefed Chairman Pai on several of its programs that leverage technology to improve health outcomes and provide increased, more convenient access to quality care. These programs include Ochsner Digital Medicine, Hypertension Digital Medicine, Diabetes Digital Medicine, Connected MOM (maternity online monitoring), Ochsner TeleStork Program, Ochsner TeleStroke Program, and Ochsner Anywhere Care and Virtual Visits.
Chairman Pai concluded his visit with a tour of Ochsner’s O Bar, a service that enables patients to test out the latest in health technology in a supportive, interactive environment and promotes patient engagement in health.
“Patient care extends beyond the walls of the hospital and our team is utilizing technology, data, and new ways of thinking to improve health outcomes, reduce the cost of care, enhance the experience of healthcare and, ultimately, build healthier communities,” said Dr. Richard Milani, Ochsner’s chief clinical transformation officer and medical director of iO. “Our digital programs are improving outcomes and are getting our patients more engaged with their health.”