Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare is teaming up with Verizon to explore 5G-powered health technology including connected ambulances, next-generation medical imaging and remote physical therapy, according to a Feb. 24 news release.
Verizon on Feb. 28 will launch a 5G ultra-wideband network within the Emory Healthcare Innovation Lab. Powered by the next generation of internet speed, which can load websites at least 10 times faster than 4G, according to CNN, the Emory innovation lab will be able to test how 5G can improve augmented and virtual reality applications for medical training.
The 5G network will also allow researchers to explore its effect on telemedicine and remote patient monitoring technologies as well as provide diagnostic and imaging systems in the ambulance before it reaches the emergency room.
"The healthcare industry, driven by value-based care and increased consumerization, is set for a paradigm shift that will put a much greater focus on connectivity and access to data," said Scott Boden, MD, vice president of business innovation at Emory Healthcare, according to the news release. "Across every facet of healthcare, from care innovation to reimbursement model transformation to decentralization of care, speed to data is critical to the digital evolution of health."
As part of the partnership, Verizon will also provide Emory Healthcare and its nine innovation hub partners network and security services, project management, consulting services and managed infrastructure. The technology company will also sit on the innovation hub's executive advisory board.