Rural Applications of Telemedicine

Abstract

Investment has been rapid in telemedicine, and the installed base reported in this survey was large, sophisticated, and growing rapidly. Nonclinical uses of the technology (e.g., meetings, training sessions, continuing medical education) were more common than clinical consultations, although the volumes of both were quite low. Investment and expansion to new sites were occurring in the absence of a favorable payor reimbursement environment and in spite of low volume at most operating sites, demonstrating optimism about the future of telemedicine and the potential for nonclinical applications.