Verizon jumping into Remote Health Monitoring with FDA clearance

In case you missed this last week (announced on Aug 8):

Verizon Gains FDA Clearance for Remote Health Monitoring Solution

Medical Device to Help Clinicians More Effectively Manage Patients’ Health From Their Home or When They are On the Go 

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon announced today that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for Converged Health Management, a cloud-based, remote patient-monitoring medical device.  This marks the first time Verizon has sought and gained FDA clearance for a healthcare solution.

Verizon’s new solution, which resides in the company’s HIPAA-ready cloud, provides clinicians with access to up-to-date patient data from connected biometric devices so they can more efficiently monitor and manage patients from their home, or when they are on the go.

Verizon MiFi and Jetpacks 4G LTE connect up to 10 devices

I have an older Verizon MiFi that connects only 5 devices. The Wi-Fi hotspot is capable of 4G LTE, but it's an older version (MiFi 4510L). It still works fine, so I'm not upgrading anytime soon.

The newer Verizon 4G LTE hotspots are capable of connecting up to 10 devices. So, if you're traveling with friends, family, or co-workers, you can get your tablets and laptops online through a single hotspot.

Here are 3 of their current models:

• Verizon Jetpack™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 5510L
• Verizon Jetpack™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4620LE
• Verizon Jetpack™ 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot 890L

Confusion around Verizon shared data plans

There seems to be some confusion around the announcement from Verizon about their upcoming shared data plans. Here's a summary of my understanding (and I could be mistaken, so don't quote me):

1. I am currently grandfathered into an unlimited data plan on my smartphone. If I upgrade my smartphone in the future, I will lose my unlimited data plan.
2. I also have multiple devices on my account, so I will probably want to switch to a shared data plan. 
3. Verizon assumes that you're on an unlimited voice and unlimited text plan. After all, the plan is called "Share Everything." 

So, it seems that I will ultimately lose my grandfathered unlimited data plan (unless I never upgrade my smartphone). 

Verizon Wireless virtual health care solution

VERIZON WIRELESS’ DIGITAL HEALTHCARE SUITE ADVANCES MOBILE CARE MANAGEMENT, VIRTUAL CARE AND CLINICIAN WORKFLOW

WASHINGTON, D.C., and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Healthcare is experiencing a myriad of changes in the administrative, legislative and technology pillars, with each contributing to the dynamic as we know it. Verizon Wireless recognizes the need for innovative technologies to address these pillars and is building solutions that address the largest healthcare challenges. The goal is to improve access to quality healthcare and efficiency while driving lower costs.

Verizon Wireless is focused on developing solutions to address the enormous economic and human cost of chronic disease as well as the prevalent challenge to accessing healthcare for prevention, treatment and follow-up maintenance. Each year, more than 200,000 Americans die due to preventable, treatable chronic diseases. The broad challenges across our nation for accessing healthcare for routine care are often rooted in geographic, equipment or medical professional availability. On average, it takes about 20 days to schedule and complete a visit with a primary care physician. This problem will only be exacerbated by the growing shortage of healthcare professionals over the next several years.

The Motorola Droid RAZR is the "thinnest" smartphone

The Motorola Droid RAZR was released today as the "thinnest" smartphone. The phone sure looks nice, but I want to know what kind of battery life it has when it's running on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. Sure looks like a nice phone, but I'm not ready for an upgrade yet.

If you love watching HD movies, you'll like this: the Droid RAZR is going to be the first smartphone that can download HD movies from Netflix!

Duke collaborating with Verizon Connected Healthcare Solutions

This just came out last week:

Duke and Verizon Join Forces on Health Information Technology

Initiatives will drive better care, expanded access and lower costs

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke University and Verizon will jointly develop health information technology initiatives to drive better care, expanded access and lower costs.

Duke and Verizon Connected Healthcare Solutions, the company’s health care practice group, will combine technical resources and personnel to focus on projects that leverage the inherent value of advanced communications technologies. Among the initial potential projects are mobile health applications and consumer health care education.

Verizon will provide the computing infrastructure to perform analytical processing and modeling, as well as implementation and operational staffing and resources required for technical development. Duke University will provide personnel including students, research and project management experts, and educational program development staff, as well as intellectual property and other research required for use in program-sponsored initiatives.

Force your MiFi 4510L Mobile Hotspot into 3G (EVDO) or 4G (LTE) mode (WWAN Settings)

The other day, I wrote about how my Verizon MiFi 4510L Mobile Hotspot was stuck on 3G (EVDO) and was not switching to 4G (LTE). If you're experiencing similar issues, make sure to read this.

For those of you wanting to manually switch your Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot from 3G to 4G (or vice versa), here's a simple tutorial that outlines the steps that will help you do that.

• Connect to your MiFi
• Log in to your MiFi by typing this URL into your browser: http://192.168.1.1/
• Click on "Setup Wizard"
• The default password is "admin" (unless you've changed it)
• When it asks you to set up a new password, click "cancel"
• Now you'll see that you have several new menu options at the top red horizontal navigation bar: Home, Wi-Fi, LAN, WWAN, Security, Advanced

Verizon MiFi 4510L Mobile Hotspot on 3G (EVDO) & not switching to 4G (LTE)? Here's a solution.

I have a Verizon MiFi 4510L Mobile Hotspot and recently I experienced the issue where my device was stuck on 3G (EVDO) and was not switching to 4G (LTE) even though I knew that 4G service was available. The device indicator light was blinking purple/violet instead of green. This is apparently a known problem for this device. So, if your device isn't switching to 4G, it's not defective. Resetting the device won't do anything.

Here's how I got it back to 4G (LTE):

• Connect to your MiFi
• Log in to your MiFi by typing this URL into your browser: http://192.168.1.1/
• Click on "Setup Wizard"
• The default password is "admin" (unless you've changed it)
• When it asks you to set up a new password, click "cancel"
• Now you'll see that you have several new menu options at the top red horizontal navigation bar: Home, Wi-Fi, LAN, WWAN, Security, Advanced

Now, you'll want to click on WWAN -> and then go to the "WWAN Settings" at the bottom of the page.

• Under the WWAN Preferred Mode, select "LTE only"
• Then, click "apply" and the device will reboot.

My understanding is that this is a temporary fix. Therefore, you may need to do this periodically if you move into areas where you only have 3G coverage. The MiFi could have a tendency to get "stuck" in 3G mode and it needs to manually get moved back to 4G using the steps outlined above. 

Improved battery life on my updated HTC ThunderBolt

Verizon recently released a system update for the HTC ThunderBolt. Although this update doesn't bump up the Android OS to Gingerbread (2.3), it does appear to have made a significant improvement on battery life. In the past, I was switching to 3G mode all the time because 4G LTE was draining my battery way too quickly. Now, it seems like I can keep it on 4G LTE and the battery is lasting much longer. I'm also not experiencing any problems with random reboots (a problem that was reported in an earlier update that was released, then pulled from Verizon).

For more information about this update, you can visit the Verizon support page here.

Verizon 4G LTE Smartphones

Right now, you can choose among 3 Android smartphones on Verizon that run on the 4G LTE network:

• Revolution™ by LG
• DROID CHARGE by Samsung
• ThunderBolt™ by HTC

Based on the number of reviews, the ThunderBolt™ by HTC is the most popular 4G smartphone on Verizon. It was also the first. Although Motorola recently announced the Droid X2, this smartphone is not a 4G smartphone. I wonder why Motorola hasn't come out with a 4G LTE smartphone yet.

Battery life is still a big problem with these early 4G smartphones. That's why I run my ThunderBolt on 3G mode most of the time.

Medco Pharmacy mobile app

Verizon Wireless and Medco teamed up on a healthcare app.

This announcement of the “Medco Pharmacy mobile app” available on V CAST, is significant as it brings mobile healthcare a step closer to being user friendly.

How many times have you been to the doctor and they ask, what medications are you/your family taking? What is your ID and group number? Are you allergic to any medications? The list goes on. This app has a wealth of information for both the consumer and physician.

One area where it aids is in cost savings. The app recommends generics and also points out medication conflicts.

· More than 20% of Americans are Medco customers
· 500,000 prescriptions are written daily by doctors, that could be cheaper in cost if they go to a generic

Note – this app is available on Verizon Wireless Android and Blackberry devices. It is not available on the iPhone, but Medco says it could be in the future.

Free Wi-Fi hotspot tethering on the HTC ThunderBolt 4G

Verizon Wireless has been gracious to extend the free Wi-Fi hotspot tethering on the HTC ThunderBolt 4G. So, you can continue to use your ThunderBolt as a MiFi for free until June 15. Perhaps Verizon is still trying to finalize how much it will cost to tether on their 4G LTE network.

Verizon MiFi 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

The first 4G Mobile Hotspot on the Verizon network is the MiFi 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot.

4G is up to 10X Faster than 3G!

Features

• 4G LTE Mobile Broadband and Mobile Broadband capable
• LTE: Typical download speeds of 5–12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2–5 Mbps.
• Connect up to 5 Wi–Fi® enabled devices at one time
• MiFi 4510L does NOT support VZAccess® Manager
• Chipset: MDM9600
• 4G SIM Card compatible
• Slim, Compact size
• Integrated External Status Display
• User–Friendly Web UI: No Software to install
• High performance internal antenna
• Multi–color service state LED
• External Antenna Connector (External antenna sold separately)
• VPN Capability
• Auto–Connect
• Global Data roaming is set to ON by default

Battery Times: Usage–Up to 5hrs.

Day 2 using the HTC ThunderBolt 4G LTE on Verizon

Today is day #2 using the HTC HTC ThunderBolt 4G LTE on the Verizon Wireless network. I've used the Droid X, the HTC Droid Incredible, and the HTC Droid Eris on Verizon.

Before I got the ThunderBolt, I was using the Droid X. Here are the main reasons why I chose to upgrade:

1. 4G is lighting fast (and if you're using the WiFi Mobile Hotspot feature, you can connect up to 8 devices)
2. Front-facing camera (which is great for interviewing or taking self-portraits when I'm blogging at various conferences)
3. It comes with a 32 GB microSD card
4. HTC Sync™ to synchronize Outlook contacts and calendar
5. Kickstand - works in both portrait and landscape modes
6. Simultaneous voice and data: You can talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time

Verizon Wireless Trade–In Program

Trade in your used phone, regardless of carrier. Be rewarded with a gift card. Here's the information:

Verizon Wireless Trade-In Program

The Verizon Wireless Trade-In Program allows you to trade in your used handset in a convenient and responsible way.

We accept devices from all carriers – even the iPhone from at&t.

In just 4 simple steps, you can determine the value of your device and receive a Verizon Wireless gift card!

Appraise your phone by answering:

• Does the device power up?
• Does the display work?
• Is the display cracked?

Problems with the Droid X 3G Mobile Hotspot: dropped connections

For the past few months, I've been using my Motorola Droid X as a 3G Mobile Hotspot. Most of the time, this feature works fairly well. However, I've recently started experiencing more problems. Specifically:

• It drops a connection and the 3G Mobile Hotspot service stops
• It freezes up and I lose access to the Internet even though the 3G Mobile Hotspot service is still running

I've tried resetting my phone and experimenting with various settings, but nothing seems to fix these intermittent problems. I've tried the following steps outlined on the Verizon user forums, but I don't want to go through this process every time I use my Droid X as a Mobile Hotspot:

Step. 1 - Ensure WiFi is disabled. (instruction below)
http://search.vzw.com/?do=viewdoc&id=33719&p=null

Step. 2 - Try switching the hotspot channel (Step 6 in the article under channel)
***To access settings, 3G Mobile Hotspot must be disabled (Off).
http://search.vzw.com/?do=viewdoc&id=33761

Step. 3 - Try changing the encryption
http://search.vzw.com/?do=viewdoc&id=33761 (Step 6 in the article under security)

Step. 4 - Try relocating the device. (Something in the immediate location could be affecting the service received)

Step. 5 - Soft reset (power off the device, pull the battery out for 20 seconds and place it back in)

I'm wondering if people who own a MiFi are experiencing similar issues. Perhaps a dedicated Mobile Hotspot like a MiFi is a better option than using my smartphone. Maybe it's time to upgrade to a 4G device. When's the 4G MiFi 4510L coming to Verizon? When's the HTC ThunderBolt 4G smartphone arriving? Maybe I should just get a 4G MiFi from Sprint now.

HTC ThunderBolt 4G on Verizon

The HTC ThunderBolt is a 4G Android smartphone that is coming to Verizon very soon. At a glance, it looks like the HTC Evo 4G on Sprint.  Here's how HTC describes the ThunderBolt 4G:


This isn't your dream phone. It's the one after that. With instant uploads and downloads and more, the HTC ThunderBolt 4G brings you the future, faster.


8 megapixels. Ultra-mega-amazing. 8 megapixel flash camera and the power of 4G allow you to create and share like never before.


4G + HD = infinite possibilities. Record. Share. View. HD video and a hi-res 4.3" screen means unlimited entertainment. 

I'm currently using the Motorola Droid X and it's a fine smartphone. I like the 3G speeds that I get, even when I'm using my device as a 3G Mobile Hotspot. I'm sure 4G would be nice, but I'm not willing to pay a premium price just to get 4G over 3G. Not yet. For now (and the next 2 years), I'll be sticking with my Droid X.

Speed differences: Verizon USB tethering vs. 3G Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot

I have a Motorola Droid X and I've been using the 3G Wi-Fi mobile hotspot feature so that I can get online with my laptop and my iPad. In the past, I used to tether using the USB cable.

Well, I did a speed test because I was convinced that 3G Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot was slower than USB tethering. Sure enough, with 3G Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot, I was experiencing download speeds of 0.5 Mbps. With USB tethering, the speeds were almost 3x faster! 1.3 Mbps.

Are you experiencing similar results?

Verizon is debuting 4G LTE devices at the Consumer Electronics Show

Author: Thuc Huynh, MD

Last week I wrote a post asking, When are smartphones going to work on the Verizon 4G network? It looks like it’s going to be very soon!

In true social media fashion, Verizon sent out a tweet yesterday confirming the debut of android devices with LTE capability.

Now, will the lineup consist of android smartphones or android tablets? Perhaps, both? Which device are you hoping it will be?

About the author:

Dr. Thuc Huynh is CEO of ScrubdIN, a startup company that aims to help health professionals choose their next medical app. Her main interest lies around how medicine can play a role with web 2.0 and social media. Dr. Huynh is currently Chief Resident at her Family Medicine Residency in Rapid City, SD and received her B.S. and M.D. at the Medical University of the Americas.

When are smartphones going to work on the Verizon 4G network?

Author: Thuc Huynh, MD

Verizon officially launched it’s 4G LTE network last week in 38 major metropolitan cities. The network boasts speeds of up to 5 - 12 mbps which is 2 - 6 times faster than 3G. That is amazing.

However, there aren’t any Verizon phones manufactured to work on the 4G network just yet. Currently, you can only use the 4G network if you have a Verizon 4G USB modem. Verizon hasn’t disclosed when they will sell 4G phones but several sources are favoring a January/February 2011 timeframe.

Data plans start at $50 dollars per month for 5 GB of data allowance and $80 dollars per month for 10 GB. For every gigabyte of data that you use over the limit, a 10 dollar fee will be charged. Verizon offers 2 USB modems that will work on the 4G network and both cost $99.99 with a 2 year contract.

The 4G network sounds promising with it’s impressive download speeds considering 3G feels fast as it is. I’m currently an AT&T customer but when the Verizon iPhone 4G hits the market, I’ll be first in line to switch over and really flex their system.

For a full list of the 38 cities graced with 4G, click here.

This article was written by Thuc Huynh, MD.

Dr. Thuc Huynh is CEO of ScrubdIN, a startup company that aims to help health professionals choose their next medical app. Her main interest lies around how medicine can play a role with web 2.0 and social media. Dr. Huynh is currently Chief Resident at her Family Medicine Residency in Rapid City, SD and received her B.S. and M.D. at the Medical University of the Americas.