Medicare and insurance companies could be the biggest obstacle in the development of “smart bandages,” which are currently being worked on by researchers. These bandages would be equipped with tiny sensors that can monitor the progress of wound healing and even react to it. The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything podcast has recently highlighted this groundbreaking technology, which could allow doctors to remotely dispense treatment such as a zap of electricity or release ointment or cream through a tiny valve in the bandage.
While many smart bandages have shown promising results in lab tests, they are still years away from being available on the market. However, experts believe that these bandages could be especially beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as the condition often slows down the healing process of wounds. Despite technical challenges associated with developing these smart bandages, experts believe that figuring out how they will be paid for remains a significant challenge.
In order to convince Medicare and insurance companies to cover the cost of this high-tech upgrade to traditional bandages, researchers must first demonstrate their effectiveness and safety in clinical trials. They also need to prove that they provide significant benefits over existing treatments and are cost-effective in terms of long-term patient outcomes.
