Page 36 - Part 1 Introduction to Telemedicine

SVMIC Introduction to Telemedicine

Store-and-Forward (Asynchronous) Audio/Video

Recording

The capabilities of this method are essentially the same as those of

real-time systems; except data files are exchanged offline. This can
allow transmission over slower connections or background

exchange of large files (e.g., MRI, angiography). In principle, this is

no different from transmitting any data file between systems.

The regulatory definition of telemedicine in most states (and

Medicare) includes store-and-forward technology. In instances
where asynchronous data is intended for remote clinical

assessment, that activity may be deemed telemedicine, even if

real-time communication with the patient is taking place only via
telephone. Some states exclude this activity from their definitions of

telemedicine, stating that simply receiving a file does not constitute
a telemedicine encounter. However, if the information was

expressly created for the purpose of assessment by a remote
physician, the chances are that this activity could be construed as

telemedicine.

Remote Monitoring

Telemedicine includes interpretation of data transmitted from
devices over networks (“connected devices”). Remote access

capabilities are becoming incorporated into just about every piece

of equipment used in healthcare, from physiologic monitors
(glucose, BP, pulse oximetry, fetal heart rate, intracranial pressure,

ect.) to endoscopes, imaging systems, lab equipment, security

cameras and, of course, anything stored in an EHR. Data feeds can
originate outside healthcare facilities from smartphones

(sometimes using attachments, but often using native functions)
and wearable devices. Data may be received on practically any

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