The New Prognosis for High-Tech Health Care

The pandemic has dramatically demonstrated the importance of technology in delivering health care remotely. From advances in telemedicine to wearables that can track vital signs 24/7, how can the industry build on these innovations — while protecting privacy and increasing access where it’s most needed? Can Washington keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape and changing consumer habits?

First, Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii will join Cecilia Kang, technology and regulatory reporter for The Times, to explore these critical questions, as well as privacy protections, broadband expansion and the future of Medicare payments.

As the ranking Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Senator Schatz has been an active proponent of expanding the use of telemedicine beyond the Covid era, especially to rural areas who currently have insufficient broadband capacity.

Then, technology reporter Natasha Singer will be joined by Dr. Vivian S. Lee, president of health platforms for Verily Life Sciences, an Alphabet company; and Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former United States Surgeon General, to discuss the technology behind testing and contact tracing, and the smartest ways to apply this and other technology to health care and wellness in the future.