12-23 FB Rural Medicine

 One of the greatest challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system today is providing quality care to populations who lack ready access to specialty physicians due to geographic limitations or socioeconomic conditions. The use of telemedicine - technology to deliver health care from a distance - has been demonstrated to be an effective way of overcoming certain barriers to care - particularly for rural and remote communities and residents.

Researcher Dr. Alexander Vo recently co-authored a case study that looks at the use of wireless telemedicine in rural settings. Dr. Vo says his experience in telemedicine - including the use of telecommunications technologies and connectivity - has had a powerful and positive impact on patients - particularly those in remote communities.“Our experience in telemedicine has translated into real observable outcomes for both patient and practitioner alike. From the patient side, telemedicine has offered improved access to specialists, increase in patient satisfaction with the care that they receive and improvement in clinical outcomes. From the provider’s perspective, telemedicine has resulted in a reduction in inappropriate emergency room use as well as some cost savings.