08/27/2010
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission issued a final rule governing the MedRadio service, which transmits data associated with medical devices. Medical device firms had requested changes to the rule. Health Data Management.
08/25/2010
State and local health IT spending is expected to increase by 19% across the next five years to reach nearly $10 billion, a new report finds. Researchers attribute the escalation to funding from the economic stimulus package and other health care trends. Federal Computer Week.
08/25/2010
Women who get text message reminders to take birth control pills are just as likely to miss a dose as women who do not receive texts. Text messaging is being tested as a way to boost medication adherence in other areas. MedPage Today, Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog."
08/24/2010
Several companies are offering “telecaregiver” services in an effort to help older adults remain independent longer. The services rely on video cameras and motion sensors to remotely monitor and assist elderly individuals in their homes. NPR's "Morning Edition."
08/24/2010
The Obama administration has announced $32 million in funding for the development of health care services in rural areas. Part of the funding is geared toward increasing capacity to help communities set up telehealth programs for underserved communities. Funding also will be used to establish health care networks for veterans who live in rural areas. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.
08/19/2010
On Wednesday, the departments of Agriculture and Commerce announced grants totaling $1.8 billion for 94 broadband projects across the country. Many of the projects aim to increase broadband connections among hospitals, health care providers and emergency responder networks. Funds for the grants come from the federal economic stimulus package. Computerworld et al.
08/18/2010
California's new telemedicine network -- which aims to link up to 900 health care providers -- is poised to be the largest such system in the U.S. The $30 million project represents a "new era for health care," according to Gov. Schwarzenegger. Sacramento Bee et al.
08/17/2010
Today, a coalition of health care organizations, technology firms and government agencies partnered with the University of California to launch a telehealth network that aims to connect more than 300 medical facilities and 800 physicians' offices. San Francisco Business Times.
08/13/2010
More than half of U.S. residents do not believe expanding broadband access should be a major priority, according to a new survey. The findings come after recent efforts to improve broadband networks for health care and other purposes. Washington Post, Central Valley Business Times.
08/11/2010
A study from an Ohio hospital has found that sending personalized text messages to teenage diabetes patients about their condition improved adherence to their medication regimen. Teens who received text reminders were three times less likely to skip a dose. Healthcare IT News.
08/10/2010
The number of oil rig companies using telemedicine to make emergency medical personnel more accessible to employees is growing. Physicians receive patient information through webcams, smartphones and other data transmission devices. United Press International.
08/09/2010
A growing number of British websites are offering physician consultations and medication without requiring patients to meet with doctors in person or speak to them via phone or webcam. Some experts believe the trend will spread to other countries. AP/Washington Post.
08/09/2010
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee has approved a bill that would waive copayments for veterans using telehealth services. The full Senate now will vote on the measure, and the House is expected to hold a hearing on a companion bill next month. Government Executive.
08/09/2010
A new study concludes that heart failure patients who used telemonitoring systems had better outcomes and lower mortality and hospitalization rates. However, it is unclear whether such systems are cost-effective or ensure the security of patient data. MedPage Today, DOTmed News.
08/05/2010
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is increasing access to broadband Internet service in the rural areas of 38 states and several American Indian reservations through $1.2 billion in grants and loans. Part of the funding will be used to expand telemedicine services. Federal officials will announce additional funding for related projects in the next few months. Grand Forks Herald et al.