The concept of transparency as an ideal state is not limited to political and business morality. By making our bodies transparent, the first indications of structural failure and malfunction can be detected at molecular level and problems can be remedied.
The body can be made transparent by tests, analysis, and imaging. Clearly, knowledge of the finest details of one's macro- and micro-anatomy and physiology, including biochemistry at the subcellular level, are of great advantage, because continuous preventive maintenance allows repair and replacement. Eventually, when all systems are thoroughly understood, the body will become imperishable.
Soon everyone will wear a chain around the neck carrying a disc that will contain the complete body plan, including the entire DNA composition, the results of all biophysical and biochemical tests, and the current images of every part. Naturally this record will also contain a complete medical history, including details of medication, repairs, and replacements.
There is no doubt that such a development will be a great advantage. The problem lies in defining how often the disc will need to be updated. Obviously, annual updates of all the data will not serve the purpose, as some data will need to be updated at more frequent intervals, and several values will ideally require daily monitoring.
In a universally digitalised healthcare system one could do away with the traditional, imprecise, subjective approach. It would be unnecessary to ask any questions; even an inquiry as to the chief complaint would be redundant, as would be the inspection and the physical examination. The computer would produce an accurate diagnosis and would select the appropriate treatment without delay. Automated systems would dispense drugs and robots could eventually perform most surgery. The bothersome centerpiece of the outmoded medical system, the consultation, could be eliminated altogether.
The lynchpin of the perfect system of transparency will be legislation: adherence to the maintenance schedule and the wearing of the disc around the neck must be made compulsory.