INTRODUCTION
Telemedicine is
the transfer of electronic medical data (i.e. high resolution images,
sounds, live video, and patient records) from one location to another.
This transfer of medical data may utilize a variety of telecommunications
technology, including, telephone lines, ISDN, the Internet, intranets,
and satellites. Telemedicine is utilized by health providers in a growing
number of medical specialties, including, but not limited to: dermatology,
oncology, radiology, surgery, cardiology, psychiatry and home health
care.
People living in rural and remote areas struggle to access timely, quality
specialty medical care. Residents of these areas have substandard or
no access to specialty health care, primarily because specialist physicians
are more likely to be located in areas of concentrated population. Because
of innovations in computing and telecommunications technology, many
elements of medical practice can be accomplished when the patient and
health care provider are geographically separated.
It is a system that connects primary care physicians, providers, specialists
and patients. Telemedicine is not a new concept. It has existed for
a number of years in the form of the telephone and fax machines. In
recent years, with the improvements made in access, technology, and
communications systems, telemedicine has expanded and, in a time of
limited resources, has become a feasible alternative for smaller and
rural medical facilities to provide routine and specialized services.
Particularly in rural areas, it offers the potential of both improved
access to care and improved quality of care. But in no way does it mean
that it is a substitution for health care. It helps in the improvement
and renovation of our present health care system.