Telemedicine: Bridging the Gap
Digital whiteboard animation showing healthcare providers the benefits of telemedicine. Submitted by James Thayer of Thrive Creations as part of the 2012 Telemedicine Video Contest, organized by the American Telemedicine Association.
“Wickenburg Community Hospital fully supports SB 1089. Our Emergency Department is affiliated with the Mayo Clinic Hospital Telestroke Program, a 24-hour 365 telemedicine link with the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Neurology Department. Patients with stroke-like symptoms presenting to our ER are routinely linked with Mayo Clinic through this state-of-the-art technology. WCH ER physicians consult directly with Mayo Clinic specialists to assess, diagnose, and treat strokes when the most beneficial clinical window of opportunity exists. Placing commercial health insurers side-by-side with our state’s hospitals to assure telemedicine parity will be a great benefit to the health and wellness of Arizona’s rural communities.” Jim Tavary, president and CEO of Wickenburg Community Hospital. See full story in the Wickenburg Sun.
Medicaid describes Telemedicine or Virtual Medicine as, “…two-way, real time interactive communication between the patient, and the physician or practitioner at the distant site. This electronic communication means the use of interactive telecommunications equipment that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment.
Telemedicine is viewed as a cost-effective alternative to the more traditional face-to-face way of providing medical care (e.g., face-to-face consultations or examinations between provider and patient) that states can choose to cover under Medicaid.” Not all telemedicine is covered by insurance.
Ask State Legislators to Support Telemedicine! “Currently, Arizona law only requires commercial health insurers cover 10 specialties such as pulmonology and dermatology. With the proposed legislation, any healthcare service covered in-person by a commercial insurer will also be covered when provided through telemedicine.”
Want to learn more about telemedicine? VSee offers some great, detailed explanations, click here for more.