New Doctor Online

Jaymes Song reports on a new service that some people believe could be a "groundbreaking step in health care."

"The service is being provided in Hawaii by Hawaii Medical Service Association...it is available for a fee to all Hawaii residents, including the uninsured and non-HMSA members"

"This is changing the face of how medicine is delivered in a very positive, safe and efficient way," said Dr. Patricia Avila, medical director of HMSA's Online Care.

"Computers equipped with a Web camera are used to set up a live, face-to-face consultations where patients describe their symptoms and even show anything from a rash to a wound. They could get questions answered, get advice or prescriptions for anything but controlled substances."

Hawaii is seen as ideal for the service because the islands are separated by miles of ocean.

Image: Flickr