Page 26 - Part 1 Introduction to Telemedicine

SVMIC Introduction to Telemedicine

workforce because of location, volume or other factors. Since
10
reading images does not involve interacting with patients,
teleradiology does not constitute telemedicine under most

regulatory schemes and is usually reimbursed differently. Because
some authorities consider the practice of medicine in radiology to

occur both at the originating site and the receiving site, issues of

quality management and oversight of equipment and technicians,
as well as the qualifications of providers, are important and

complex.

Remote Monitoring

Patients who are geographically isolated or mobility impaired may
be able to maintain closer relationships with providers—and other

caregivers—through telemedical applications. Many devices (e.g.,
arrhythmia monitors, glucose monitors, spirometers, oximeters,

etc.) that once produced data only readable by physically

delivering the file to a provider or vendor, are now internet
enabled.

Correctional Medicine

Costs and risks of transporting incarcerated offenders, plus the

sometimes remote location of facilities, make a strong case for
telemedical visits with qualified clinicians.

Military Medicine

Some of the earliest innovations in telemedicine were developed

for the military, which remains a pioneer in the field. Telemedicine
allows deployed medics and physicians to deliver quicker and

more expert care to a wider range of patients, both on the
battlefield and in environments where general medical resources

10 Silva E, Breslau J, Barr RM, et al. 2013. ACR White Paper on Teleradiology Practice: A Report from the Task Force
on Teleradiology Practice. J Am Coll Radiol, 10:575-585.

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