Qualcomm (QCOM), the mobile-phone chipmaker, and AT&T are looking to tap into the emerging market for providing mobile health services--known as the M-health market. US sales of health-related wireless gadgets, applications, and services for consumers are projected to double to $600 million this year and again to $1.3 billion in 2011. Others in the tech industry, including Intel, IBM, Sprint Nextel and Best Buy are also looking to get into the profitable market. Products range from blood-pressure monitors and fitness watches to more futuresque ones like the electronic band-aid, which is designed to attach to the body and gather a person's vital signs. This information may then be transmitted to websites where health records can be shared with physicians who can then conduct video calls for a form of at-home care. This new technology is seen as a way to cut expenses by reducing emergency room and hospital visits, especially for those with chronic illnesses.
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