Innovations in telemedicine will "not only result in the substantial reduction of health care disparities, but also in a reduction of health care costs across the country," Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.) and Louisiana state Sen. Sharon Weston-Broome (D) write in The Hill's "Congress Blog."
Many of the health care disparities in the U.S. are caused by a lack of access to care, especially among low-income communities, they note, adding that telemedicine can help address access barriers.
"With the widespread expansion of broadband technology, telemedicine is becoming an incredibly effective solution that is providing a new alternative to improve our current health care landscape," they write, adding, "Hundreds of applications have already been developed, and states that have passed telehealth legislation are realizing many of the benefits."
They conclude, "Telemedicine is a global game changer in health care, and this initiative is one positive step that we as policymakers are taking towards eradicating health care disparities" (Johnson/Weston-Broome, "Congress Blog," The Hill, 7/19).