The Healthcare Marketplace
    – Fragmented Segments…evolving needs

The healthcare marketplace is divided into numerous discrete segments based on the particular needs of the patients/consumers being served and the established healthcare channels which serve them. More clinically significant diseases are traditionally treated in hospitals, ambulatory care centers and physician offices. As cost containment pressures increase in conjunction with a larger aging population, alternative treatment pathways are being established. These alternative pathways include treatment and monitoring of patients in lower cost settings such as community centers and homes.

In addition, as overall awareness of health issues has increased in the general population, individuals are taking greater responsibility for their own well being with improved diet and exercise. More and more technologies and devices are being developed for these consumer "wellness" markets which will serve a complementary purpose in reducing overall healthcare costs by enabling individuals to take preventative actions and maintain a high level of health and fitness and avoiding the need for more expensive treatment.

Each of these segments require that the technology developed to serve them be reliable, cost effective and accurate. Significant penetration and adoption into these segments will also be dependent on "ease of use" and "patient comfort".

Wireless technologies are poised to play a key enabling role in broad scale market development. Integration and adoption of wireless systems into existing healthcare delivery channels such as hospitals will lead to further adoption into alternative healthcare settings (i.e. home and remote monitoring) much like Wi-Fi has gained widespread adoption due to ease of use and availability for personal computers.