YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

Use of Telemedicine Network grows dramatically

Posted online

A recent report from the staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission indicates a dramatic growth in the use of the Missouri Telemedicine Network, according to an April 3 news release from the PSC.

Visual telecommunications consultation between doctors located in different areas of Missouri via the Telemedicine Network provides quick, and sometimes life-saving, information to treat patients, the release stated.

In some instances, usage of the network has more than doubled in the last year.

The PSC, University of Missouri-Columbia Health Sciences Center and the Missouri Rural Opportunities Council were instrumental in the development of the telemedicine trial in Missouri, which began in May 1995, the PSC said.

The trial, which is scheduled to end this year, allows rural Missouri physicians to consult with specialists on the interactive TV network, saving patients unnecessary travel, expense and time away from work, according to the release.

The program has strengthened the role of rural clinics and hospitals, enabling them to continue care on site for patients whom they may otherwise have referred to larger medical centers.

The growth of telemedicine utilization is dramatically demonstrated in the areas of interactive consultations, teleradiology consultations and educational programs, the PSC said.

Interactive consultations, for example, grew from nine in 1995, to 59 in 1996, to 421 in 1997.

Teleradiology consultations rose from 412 in 1995, to 1,551 in 1996, and 2,866 in 1997, while utilization of educational programs increased from 20 in 1995, to 100 in 1996, to 360 in 1997.

Interactive consultations involve a patient and doctor at one site on the network consulting with a doctor at another network site.

A teleradiology consultation involves the transmission of X-rays from rural sites to the MU Health Sciences Center, and

education programs primarily involve continuing education classes and graduate nursing programs, according to the PSC.

A committee has been formed to evaluate the Missouri Telemedicine Network project, the release said. The group will examine the issue of whether, and how, this project can be sustained on a permanent basis once the trial concludes at the end of the year.

[[In-content Ad]]

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
Open for Business: The Pickle and The Chilly Dill

The Pickle LLC and The Chilly Dill LLC opened; food truck Whatcha Cooking launched; and Architect Coffee Co. LLC debuted its second location.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences