Today at HIMSS17, Partners Connected Health announced a new partnership with Massachusetts Medical International, to provide remote diagnosis and expert second opinions via the Partners Online Second Opinion service (POSO), for physicians and patients in China. Managed by Partners Connected Health, POSO provides access to world-class hospitals affiliated with Partners HealthCare, offering patients and their physicians, all over the world, easier access to expert medical specialists. Massachusetts Medical International is an international medical service institution providing remote diagnosis, medical treatment and professional training for hospital management and physicians from China.
Established 20 years ago, the Partners Online Second Opinion service has provided thousands of patients and physicians remote access to the many specialists in the Partners HealthCare network, a Harvard Medical School-affiliated healthcare delivery system, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. To date, the platform has been used by over 13,000 patients globally.
A recent review of POSO consultations found that in 90% of the medical cases reviewed, Partners HealthCare specialists recommended a complete change in the treatment plan, suggesting profound implications for clinical care. In addition, in 5% of cases, the consulting specialist recommended a new diagnosis.
“There is increasing demand for our remote consultation and second opinion services from around the world. We are pleased to add Massachusetts Medical International as a partner, offering healthcare providers and patients in China virtual access to specialty care at Partners-affiliated hospitals,” said Joseph C. Kvedar, MD, Vice President, Connected Health, Partners HealthCare. “Our goal is always to ensure the best possible care and clinical outcomes for all patients.”