02/26/2013
A study finds that most older patients with implanted cardiac devices said that a remote monitoring system was easy to set up and operate. However, a majority of the surveyed patients said they prefer in-person doctor visits to remote evaluations. MobiHealthNews, FierceHealthIT.
02/15/2013
A study finds that a Microsoft Kinect telehealth system could help save up to $30 billion in U.S. health care costs in part by reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections. The system costs a few hundred dollars, while most telehealth tools cost thousands. FierceHealthIT et al.
02/11/2013
A report from IMS Research predicts that the number of U.S. residents using telehealth services will increase nearly sixfold between 2012 and 2017. According to the report, nearly 1.3 million U.S. residents will be using telehealth tools by 2017. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.
02/07/2013
A new study finds that care provided through an online clinic costs an average of $88.03 less than care provided through traditional settings. Researchers say the online care is as effective as traditional care for basic conditions. InformationWeek, FierceHealthIT.
02/06/2013
According to a Canadian study, an automated phone call system helped identify 58 out of 125 adverse drug events. The system also reminded patients to adhere to their prescribed drug regimen and provided them with an opportunity to speak with a pharmacist. CBC News et al.
02/05/2013
Eleven organizations are participating in a telehealth project that aims to expand access to dental care in California. For the project, dental assistants and hygienists upload dental images, health records and other data to a website for remote dentists to view. HealthyCal.
02/01/2013
A new brief states that the successful adoption of telehealth technology requires reducing barriers to patient participation. The brief includes case studies of three organizations that have implemented telehealth projects successfully. FierceHealthIT, Commonwealth Fund brief.
01/29/2013
The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded grants to programs that seek to provide telehealth services for female veterans in rural areas. The programs will offer telehealth services in gynecology, maternity care, mental health and pharmacy. Modern Healthcare, VA release.
01/28/2013
Georgia's health commissioner has announced plans to implement telehealth technology at every county public health center in the state. The state is applying for grants to fund the telehealth packages, which cost about $20,000 each. Macon Telegraph, Healthcare IT News.
01/25/2013
In an opinion piece, Randal Milch of Verizon writes that telehealth tools and other personal health technologies empower consumers to take control of their health care. Milch calls for lawmakers to remove regulatory barriers that are hindering the adoption of such tools. Politico.
01/23/2013
A report by InMedica estimates that 1.8 million people worldwide will use telehealth technology by 2017. The report predicts that the growth in telehealth use will be driven by federal policies and demand from health care providers, insurers and patients. Computerworld et al.
01/17/2013
A study finds that patients who take part in online physician consultations experience similar outcomes as patients who meet with doctors in person. However, findings show that physicians prescribe significantly more antibiotics during online visits than during in-person visits. Reuters.
01/08/2013
The Federal Communications Commission officially has launched its Healthcare Connect Fund, which will provide up to $400 million annually to support U.S. telehealth networks. FCC plans to begin accepting applications for the funding this summer. FierceMobileHealthcare.
01/07/2013
HHS will provide $1.9 million for the creation of six telehealth resource centers. Grant applicants should be able to provide technical assistance to health care entities offering or planning to offer telehealth services, according to the announcement. mHIMSS, Becker's Hospital Review.
01/03/2013
A new House bill aims to expand access to telehealth care for people who receive health insurance through Medicaid, Medicare and other government programs. Under the bill, health care providers in government health plans would need to be licensed only in the state where they are located to provide telehealth services to eligible patients anywhere in the U.S. Healthcare IT News.