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> Telemedicine
> Telemedicine FAQs |
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The use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support
long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education,
public health and health administration. Telemedicine represents a valuable resource
for delivering health-related services to remote, underserved areas, providing greater
access to health care for consumers and health professionals.
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Telemedicine primarily uses videoconferencing equipment. This is an interactive
technology and enables patients and health care providers at distant sites to interact
“face-to- face”. Technological advances now allow for these interactions to occur
using a desktop computer. An alternative to real-time telemedicine is called “store-and-forward”,
in which clinical information is sent (like email) to a provider at a distant site
for their evaluation. This does not allow for a dialogue between the patient and
provider.
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The network is being used to provide patient care, continuing education for health
professionals and patients, business and administrative meeting.
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Clinical services offered through Sanjeevani include patient exams, patient consultations
and follow-up exams. All patient exams are confidential and are done over a secure
network.
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The system can be used by any interested health care professional. In addition it
can also be used for long distance administrative meetings and continuing education.
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Yes, several sites can be connected together for a conference.
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Yes, providing patient care across state lines using telemedicine can be problematic.
Some states, like Montana, have adopted restrictive licensure policies and require
full licensure to see patients over telemedicine. Other states have less restrictive
policies.
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Yes, continuing education credits can be provided if requested in advance. However,
it is up to the originator of the continuing education program.
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No, the equipment is actually quite user-friendly and simple to use. Users receive
training on the use of the equipment before their first conference. A telemedicine
staff person is on hand at all times during a conference for any problems or questions.
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Patients have been very satisfied with the care they have received using telemedicine.
Positive factors cited by patients include saving travel time and expense, increased
access to specialty services and increased attention by their primary care provider.
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Providers have often been initially hesitant to use this technology for patient
care. However, most are quite pleased with it once they have used it and realize
the quality and ease of the interaction.
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Medical peripheral devices, such as stethoscopes, spirometer hand-held patient cameras
for close-up views, are available at each of our rural network sites. Medical peripheral
devices are not currently available at other state videoconference sites.
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Slide presentations computer-based can be projected. Paper documents can also be
projected, a document stand similar to an overhead projector. Videos may be shown,
as well however, they don’t transmit very well.
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