by Susan Eustis

Factors likely to change the current situation are related to the very high proportion medical spending that is directed to treatment of chronic disease.  A second aspect is that chronic conditions are best controlled by interventions a on a daily basis with a trusted nurse monitoring and measure outcomes of various situations.

So, though the clinicians prefer in person treatment on a sporadic basis after there is an emergency or significant symptom presentations, in fact the best way to treat chronic conditions is proactively, monitoring remotely on a daily basis.  This proactive monitoring depends on inexpensive equipment and an efficient services organization that is able to connect in a very human way with patients over the phone on a daily basis.  This requires significant training and care in hiring.

.  It provides a way to initiate two way communications with a patient, forever changing the doctor – patient relationship to a collaborative one.  It means that physicians need to build collaboration skills or delegate those to their nurses which they have always done, but this time in a more effective manner, on that is supported by technology.

Factors Likely To Create Shift To Telemedicine

• Push to decrease cost of medical care delivery
• Related to the very high proportion medical spending that is directed to treatment of chronic disease
• Chronic conditions are controlled by interventions a on a daily basis
• Trusted nurse monitoring
• Measure outcomes of various situations
• Clinicians prefer in person treatment on a sporadic basis
• Emergency or significant symptom presentations
• Best way to treat chronic conditions is proactively, monitoring remotely on a daily basis
• Proactive monitoring depends on inexpensive equipment and an efficient services organization that is able to connect
• Nurses support patients over the phone on a daily basis
• Requires significant nurse training and care in hiring

Source:  WinterGreen Research, Inc.

Telemedicine Adoption Rate Issues And Concerns

• Lack of reimbursement to clinicians for the use of telemedicine
• Clinician belief that each patient is better served if they are seen in person
• High cost of caring for patients with chronic conditions

Source:  WinterGreen Research, Inc.