iHealthBeat: Telehealth

Telehealth Helps Boost Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes, Study Finds

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a study, a telehealth-based stroke rehabilitation program helped patients recover lower body function. Patients who participated in the program also were better able to maintain a regular exercise routine and manage their finances. United Press International.

Pennsylvania Expands Medicaid Coverage for Telehealth Services

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Pennsylvania's Medicaid program has expanded coverage for telehealth services from more types of specialty physicians. The expansion allows physicians to provide various medical services during telehealth visits, rather than just consultations. Modern Healthcare, MedCity News.

Caregivers Turning to Online Communities for Guidance, Support

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Caregivers are making greater use of online communities to seek out health information and social support. Certain websites allow family members to track medical information, while others connect users with a larger community of caregivers. New York Times' "The New Old Age."

FCC Aims To Allocate Spectrum for Wireless Medical Technology

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Federal Communications Commission has announced a plan to allocate spectrum for medical body area networks, which use wireless sensors to monitor patients and transmit data to a central computer. FCC is set to vote on the plan next week. The Hill's "Hillicon Valley" et al.

Bill Would Block Grants for Using Telehealth To Prescribe Abortion Drug

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Rep. Steve King has introduced a bill that would prohibit federal telehealth grants from going to health care providers who use videoconferencing tools to prescribe the abortion medication mifepristone. The bill has 47 co-sponsors. The Hill's "Floor Action Blog," CQ HealthBeat.

Telemonitoring Helps Patients Control Blood Pressure, Study Finds

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study presented at an American Heart Association meeting shows that patients who receive telemonitoring and blood pressure management support from a pharmacist are more likely to lower their blood pressure than those who do not receive the support. Healthcare IT News.

HHS Innovation Awards Going to Some Health IT-Supported Projects

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some of HHS' newly announced innovation awards will go to projects that have a health IT component. Emory University, University Hospitals of Cleveland and George Washington University received awards for projects involving telehealth. Modern Healthcare et al.

Telehealth Network Can Help Nurses Take Web-Based Training Courses

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A telehealth network allows oncology nurses take certification courses in chemotherapy and biotherapy, according to new research. The study is based on a telehealth project that helped 174 nurses receive their certification. Oncology Nurse Advisor, FierceHealthIT.

Employers, Insurers Embracing Telehealth, but Barriers Remain

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health insurers and employers are offering telehealth-based physician appointments to curb costs and improve access to care. However, some state medical boards' licensing requirements make it difficult for doctors to participate in telehealth programs. Kaiser Health News/USA Today.

Teledentistry Program Helped Increase Kids' Dental Treatment Rates

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study presented at the American Telemedicine Association's annual meeting finds that a dental telehealth program increased oral health treatment rates among children of migrant farm workers. The teledentistry program offered consultations at Head Start centers. Medscape.

More Companies Using Online Games To Boost Employee Wellness

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Employers and health insurers increasingly are using online games to encourage healthier behavior among workers. However, researchers note that there is a lack of data showing that such games are an effective strategy to improve employee wellness. Wall Street Journal.

Study: Telemonitoring Might Not Reduce ED Visits, Hospitalizations

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a new Archives of Internal Medicine study, seniors with certain medical conditions who used telemonitoring systems had about the same rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits as seniors who did not use the telemonitoring technology. Reuters.

Insurer Highmark Teams With Teladoc To Launch Telehealth Pilot Program

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Insurer Highmark and telehealth provider Teladoc have launched a telehealth pilot program involving 10,000 Highmark members. The program aims to reduce the number of Highmark members who visit the emergency department for minor illnesses. InformationWeek et al.

Groups Consider Home Technology for Curbing Seniors' Health Costs

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health insurers, government entities and researchers are looking into in-home monitoring technology that could help elderly individuals stay in their homes rather than in hospitals or nursing homes. Stakeholders say such tools could significantly reduce health care costs. Reuters.

California Telehealth Network Nabs $700K Donation From Insurer

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Telehealth Network plans to use a recent $700,000 donation from UnitedHealthcare to expand telehealth training and provide technical support for rural and underserved hospitals and clinics across the state. Sacramento Business Journal, Healthcare IT News.

VA Plans To Eliminate Copays for In-Home Telehealth Services

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Starting on May 7, the Department of Veterans Affairs intends to waive copayments for veterans receiving in-home telehealth services. The agency said it proposed the change because it wants to improve veterans' access to care. Health Data Management, CQ HealthBeat.

IOM: Electronic Systems Can Help Facilitate Care During Natural Disasters

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by the Institute of Medicine suggests that electronic interventions could facilitate treatment for large groups of people during natural disasters. The report notes that telehealth tools could help individuals obtain medical consultations. Modern Healthcare, HealthDay.

Employers Embrace Telehealth, but Roadblocks Remain

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of employers are turning to telehealth tools to reduce health care costs and boost worker productivity. However, barriers such as reimbursement and state licensing regulations remain a sticking point.

Report Predicts Global Telehealth Market Will Double Over Five Years

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A BCC Research report estimates that the global telehealth market will more than double over the next five years, from $11.6 billion in 2011 to $27.3 billion in 2016. The report also looks at the technology and services segments of the telehealth market. Healthcare IT News.

Telemonitoring System Reduced Readmission Rates, Evaluation Finds

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Geisinger Health Plan's home telemonitoring program helped reduce 30-day hospital readmission rates by 44% among patients with congestive heart failure, according to Geisinger's evaluation of the system. The program uses an interactive voice response system. CMIO et al.

VA Hospitals Turning to Telehealth Technology To Monitor ICU Patients

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospitals run by the Department of Veterans Affairs are using telehealth technology to improve patient monitoring in intensive care units. Such tools allow remote health care providers to view live video of patients and access electronic health records. Minneapolis Star Tribune.

New California Law Seeks To Expand Telehealth Services for Medicaid Beneficiaries

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

April Armstrong and Thomas Nesbitt of the University of California-Davis Health System, Mario Gutierrez of the Center for Connected Health Policy, Jen Lang-Ree, a nurse practitioner in California, and Jonathan Lopez, a dermatology patient, spoke with iHealthBeat about a new state law that expands and streamlines telehealth services in the state.

Report: 3M People Will Use Smartphones To Monitor Health by 2016

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Juniper Research report predicts that about three million people will use smartphones to monitor their health by 2016. The report also forecasts that mobile health application downloads will increase from 44 million this year to 142 million in 2016. FierceMobileHealthcare et al.

Patients 'Thank' Doctors for Health Advice on New Medical Website

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new website allows patients to ask health-related questions and advance physicians' online reputations by recognizing their medical advice. HealthTap.com awards social media badges to physicians who accumulate "Thanks" for answering patients' questions. New York Times.

HHS Aims To Streamline Regulations on Patient Data Access, Telehealth

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has released a progress report on its efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. The agency said it is working to boost efficiency through rules that would improve patient access to test results and ease requirements for telehealth providers. AHA News, FierceHealthIT.

Bill Would Help Doctors Practice Telehealth Across State Lines

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sen. Tom Udall plans on introducing a bill that would make it easier for physicians to practice telemedicine in different states. Currently, physicians must apply for a different license in each state where patients are treated remotely. The bill would streamline licensure portability between states by creating a standardized list of credentialed practitioners. Government Health IT.

UC-Merced Students Use Telehealth To Treat Diabetes

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Business students at the University of California-Merced are embarking on a telehealth initiative to monitor patients with gestational diabetes in the Central Valley. The project aims to target women who don't have adequate access to medical care.

Study: Virtual Coaches Help Overweight People Boost Activity Levels

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Using an online "virtual coach" helped overweight individuals engage in physical activity more often than those without access to online coaching, according to a study by the Center for Connected Health and Massachusetts General Hospital. Healthcare IT News, MobiHealthNews.

U.K. Should Learn From VA's Experiences With Telehealth, Report Says

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by 2020health calls for the United Kingdom's National Health Service to establish a telehealth system that builds on the experiences of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The report calls VA "the world's No. 1 provider of telehealth at scale." Modern Healthcare.

Report Sees Barriers to Robotic Telehealth Use in Medical Care Settings

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Licensing and reimbursement issues are hindering widespread adoption of robotic telehealth systems, according to a new study published in Telemedicine and e-Health. Researchers say new regulatory models, payment mechanisms and educational programs are needed. CMIO.

DOD's Telehealth Center Launches Website for Kids in Military Families

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Defense's National Center for Telehealth and Technology has launched a website to help children of deployed military personnel cope with stress. The site provides educational videos and forums to help children share their experiences. Modern Healthcare.

Remote Dermatology Consultations Can Boost Outcomes, Study Finds

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Patients who have live, interactive telemedicine consultations with dermatologists could receive better treatment and have better outcomes, according to a study. About 69% of patients who had at least two such visits in a year saw clinical improvements. Modern Healthcare, FierceHealthIT.

VA Expands its Fleet of Telehealth-Equipped Mobile Health Centers

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its fleet of mobile health centers from 50 to 70 vehicles that are equipped with telehealth technology to provide care to veterans in rural areas. The vehicles also allow for access to VA's VistA electronic health record system. NextGov.

Study: ICU Nurses Value Personal Relationship With Telehealth Doctors

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

About 79% of intensive care unit nurses who responded to an online survey say it is important to be acquainted with the physician who is on call for telehealth consultations, and 72% say they believe that telehealth services improve ICU patients' survival rate. MedPage Today.

Reports Foresee Growth in Use of Remote Health Monitoring Technology

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Frost & Sullivan report predicts that the remote health monitoring market will reach $294.9 million by 2015. A separate report from Berg Insight predicts that there will be 2.47 million remote monitoring devices with cellular connectivity by 2016. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

ATA Calls for Changes To Support Greater Use of Telehealth in Hospitals

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Telemedicine Association is urging CMS to revise Medicare's conditions of participation to better support the use of telehealth services in hospitals. ATA said such changes would benefit health care providers, hospitals and patients. Modern Healthcare, ATA letter.

People With Disabilities Connecting Via Video Chat, Online Networks

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Many people with disabilities are connecting with each other through online support groups and social networking tools. In Virginia, state leaders are considering ways to replicate a program that offers virtual group therapy sessions through online video chats. Roanoke Times.

ATA Calls for Medicaid Coverage of Telehealth for Neonatal Care

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Telemedicine Association has developed a legislative proposal urging the federal government to expand Medicaid coverage to include telehealth services for women with high-risk pregnancies. According to ATA, an Avalere Health memorandum estimates that the proposal would reduce federal Medicaid spending by as much as $186 million over 10 years. Modern Healthcare, ATA release.

Study Finds Few Cancer Survivors Interested in 'Virtual' Follow-Up Care

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston finds that only 12% of surveyed breast cancer survivors said that "virtual" consultations with a physician or nurse conducted over the phone or Internet would reduce their cancer-related worries. Reuters.

USDA Grants More Than $30M for Telehealth, Other Projects

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced nearly $30.2 million in grants to help fund 100 telehealth and distance learning projects in 34 states and the Northern Mariana Islands territory. Several of the grants will go toward projects aimed at using telemonitoring technology to provide health care services to people in rural areas of the country. Bangor Daily News et al.

Telehealth Can Reduce Patient Mortality Risk, U.K. Study Finds

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Telehealth technologies that allow physicians to remotely manage their patients' health care needs can cut patient mortality by up to 45%, according to a recent study conducted by the United Kingdom's Department of Health. The study also notes that the use of remote monitoring tools can reduce emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

Competition in Global Telehealth Market To Grow in Next 10 Years

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A white paper from InMedica predicts that the telehealth market will experience increased competition over the next 10 years, in part because vendors will attempt to expand the types of telehealth-related services that they provide. Becker's Hospital Review, InMedica release.

USDA Grants $6M for Telemedicine, Other Rural Health Projects

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided more than $6 million in grants to support rural health care projects in six states in the Mississippi River Delta region. Many of the projects aim to use telehealth technology to improve access to care. AP/Chicago Tribune et al.

Report Identifies Top Nine Ways IT Benefits Health Care Industry

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton has released a list of the top nine ways that IT is changing the U.S. health care system. Booz Allen says health IT tools can reduce medical errors and facilitate seamless transitions in care settings. Becker's Hospital Review, Healthcare IT News.

VA To Offer Telehealth Services To Veterans Through New Initiative

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs and American Well have announced a project to provide telehealth services to veterans in their homes, workplaces and other locations. The initiative also will include the establishment of three online medical practices. Healthcare IT News et al.

Market for Wireless Monitoring Devices Seeing Rapid Growth

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Kalorama Information report finds that revenue growth in the wireless patient monitoring market is outpacing that of other device categories. Between 2008 and 2010, the growth rate for remote monitoring devices reached 23%, according to the report. MobiHealthNews et al.

Report: Consumers Showing Interest in Mobile Health Tools

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Consumer Electronics Association report finds that 36% of consumers are interested in using mobile health tools to communicate with health care providers. In addition, 33% of survey respondents say they are interested in managing their health records online and 32% say they would like to use telehealth tools for physician visits. Fierce Mobile Healthcare, MobiHealthNews.

California Telehealth Law Could Cut Costs by $1B, Report Concludes

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Center for Connected Health Policy report finds that a new law that aims to expand telehealth in California could result in annual Medi-Cal savings of more than $1 billion. Much of the savings would come from using telehealth for chronic disease management. CMIO, CCHP release.

Indian Health Services CIO Calls for Expanding Access to Telehealth

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Indian Health Services acting CIO Howard Hays told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs that eliminating barriers to the adoption of telehealth could improve health care quality and reduce costs for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. InformationWeek.

Expanding Telehealth in Scotland Could Curb Costs, Report Says

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A report by Audit Scotland urges the National Health Service to consider expanding the use of telehealth in Scotland as a way to control rising costs and address the growing demand for health care services. The report says three projects aim to offer more evidence of the benefits of telehealth. BBC News et al.

New Calif. Telehealth Law Aims To Improve Access to Health Care

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed into law a bill that seeks to increase rural Californians' access to health care through the use of telehealth. The measure has been praised by health care industry groups. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

Agency Awards $29M To Boost Health IT Use in Behavioral Care

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded 29 grants totaling up to $25 million to expand health IT use and improve access to behavioral health services. Grant recipients will leverage Web-based tools, electronic applications and smartphones to improve communication and health care management. Modern Healthcare, Healthcare IT News.

Wendy Everett of NEHI Discusses How New Technologies Can Improve Care, Cut Costs

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Wendy Everett, founding president of the New England Healthcare Institute, spoke with iHealthBeat about efforts to encourage health care providers to adopt innovative electronic health systems that could improve health care quality and reduce costs.

Video Games Help ICU Patients With Physical Therapy, Study Finds

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers finds that interactive video games played on consoles such as Nintendo's Wii can enhance physical therapy for patients in intensive care units. Researchers noted that such therapy is cost effective. United Press International et al.

Verizon, Duke Team Up on Partnership to Drive Health IT Innovation

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Duke University and Verizon Connected Healthcare Solutions have announced that they are partnering on health IT projects designed to improve patient care, slash health care costs and strengthen medical research. InformationWeek, Healthcare IT News.

Australian Researchers Developing Software for Testing of Ear Implants

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers at the Ear Science Institute of Australia are working to develop telehealth software that can help test ear implants. Patients would connect their implants to a computer so audiologists can check the devices over the Internet. Electronics News et al.

New 'Smart' T-Shirt Could Monitor Patients' Vital Signs Remotely

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Scientists have created a "smart" T-shirt that could be used to track patients' heart rate, temperature and movements. Researchers say the shirt potentially could be used for diagnosis of cardiac anomalies and remote monitoring. International Business Times, Fierce Mobile Healthcare.

Telepsychiatry Growing in Popularity; Barriers, Drawbacks Remain

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Skype and other video conferencing tools have made it easier to provide online mental health services to a variety of patients. Such tools can boost convenience and access to mental health care, but some health providers have raised concerns about telepsychiatry. New York Times.

Report: Remote Patient Monitoring Market To Reach $22.2B by 2015

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from health care market research firm Kalorama predicts that the U.S. remote patient monitoring market will grow by 25.4% annually to reach $22.2 billion by 2015. The report cited monitoring systems for intensive care units as a significant growth area. CMIO, Health Data Management.

Telehealth Market To Reach $6.28 Billion by 2020, Report Finds

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by InMedica predicts that the global market for telehealth technologies will climb from about $163.3 million in 2010 to almost $1 billion by 2015. According to the report, the market could grow to about $6.28 billion by 2020. InformationWeek, Healthcare IT News.

Report: Telehealth Can Be Cost Effective for Rural Stroke Patients

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in Neurology finds that using telehealth to treat stroke patients could be a cost-effective way to improve care in rural areas. The study also notes that "telestroke" care could increase rural use of an anti-clotting drug used in stroke treatment. HealthDay et al.

HRSA Grants Aim To Set Up Regional Resource Centers for Telehealth

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Three organizations have received grants worth about $1 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration to set up regional telehealth resource centers. The centers will be based in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and New England regions. Healthcare IT News et al.

New Research Shows Motion-Sensor Tools Can Track Health Issues

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

New research from the University of Missouri finds that motion-sensor technology used in devices such as the Xbox 360 can monitor the beginnings of disease and risk of falls in elderly individuals, as well as notify clinicians when patients need help. InformationWeek.

Study: Telemedicine Program Improves Care for Chronic Conditions

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Buddy Program, which integrates telehealth tools with care management applications, could curb spending and improve care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions, according to a new Health Affairs study conducted by Stanford University researchers. CMIO.

HHS Releases Plan To Align Regulations With Telehealth, IT Programs

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In response to an executive order by President Obama, HHS has published a plan to update its regulations. The changes aim to account for new technologies such as telehealth tools and improve the alignment of federal health IT incentive programs. Federal Computer Week.

Medical Groups Call for IT-Related Changes to Medicare Fee Schedule

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Medical Group Management Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians have sent letters urging CMS to adjust its proposed Medicare Part B physician fee schedule to ease certain IT burdens, such as those relating to telehealth and meaningful use criteria. CMIO.

Massachusetts Hospital Pilots New Motion Sensor Tracking System

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

MetroWest Medical Center in Massachusetts will test a new rapid response motion sensor system, called EarlySense, that aims to boost preventive care and reduce medical costs. The hospital has invested in about 30 EarlySense units for the pilot project. Boston Globe.

Health Care Providers Tapping Mobile Health Tools To Reduce Costs

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Health care providers are turning to mobile health technologies, such as smartphone applications and wireless devices, to monitor patients and reduce health care costs. One official says financial incentives could encourage hospitals to adopt such technology. New York Times.

White House Effort To Roll Back Rules Aims To Facilitate Telehealth

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration has released a list of regulations that could be eliminated to help businesses save about $10 billion over the next five years. One of the proposed changes aims to make it easier for physicians to use telehealth technology. USA Today, CNN Money.

California Groups Nab $5M for Telehealth in Rural Communities

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Fifteen organizations around California will share more than $5 million in funding provided through the California e-Health Community Awards. The funding will be used to help facilitate the adoption of telehealth technology in rural regions of the state. Healthcare IT News.

Health IT Stakeholders Discuss Mobile Health, Telehealth Innovations

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During a recent conference, health IT leaders discussed how the health care industry is adapting to changes in mobile health and telehealth technology. One participant said the ICD-10 transition and the meaningful use program could stifle health IT innovation. Healthcare IT News.

Millions of Dollars in Federal Broadband Funds Fail To Reach Rural Health Care Providers

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Linkous, CEO of the American Telemedicine Association, Mark Goldstein of the Government Accountability Office, Carol Mattey of the Federal Communications Commission and Dale Alverson, director of the University of New Mexico's Center for Telehealth and Cybermedicine, spoke with iHealthBeat about FCC's efforts to distribute federal broadband funds to underserved areas.

Increased Collaboration Necessary To Expand Telehealth, Group Says

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is working to boost collaboration between physicians and technicians to increase the use of telehealth. IEEE and the American Medical Association are planning a conference to promote telehealth. E-Health Insider, eWeek.

Expanded Access to Broadband Could Improve Rural Health Care

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, an Internet Innovation Alliance panel noted that expanding broadband Internet access could improve rural health care through the use of telehealth, electronic prescriptions and electronic health records. Meanwhile, six telecommunications firms have submitted a proposal to the Federal Communications Commission to expand broadband access. National Journal et al.

Report: Telehealth Could Ease Health Disparities in Rural U.S.

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by the UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform and Modernization finds that Americans living in rural areas are less likely to have access to quality health care than those living in urban areas. The report suggests that broader adoption of electronic health records and expanded access to telehealth technology could help address such health disparities. Reuters et al.

Telehealth Group Slams FCC for Slow Action on Rural Health Programs

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Telemedicine Association recently sent a letter criticizing the Federal Communications Commission for its slow progress on projects to expand telehealth services to rural areas. The letter calls for FCC to move forward quickly on such projects. BNA et al.

Online Mental Health Counseling Hindered by Lack of Reimbursement

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The rapid rise in Internet use has not spurred a parallel growth in the use of "telepsychiatry," or Web-based mental health therapy. Observers say insufficient reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies has hindered the adoption of telepsychiatry. New York Times.

Aging Baby Boomers Drawing Attention to Health Monitoring Tools

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

As the baby boomer population ages, more companies are developing remote health monitoring tools as a way to help seniors remain in their homes. Experts say using such tools can help cut health care costs, but lack of awareness of such products persists. HealthyCal.

Study Supports Use of Robotic Telemedicine in Neonatal Intensive Care

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the Journal of Perinatology finds that using robotic telehealth technology in neonatal intensive care units is a feasible and safe way for off-site neonatologists to examine patients. Researchers said the technology could help ensure early intervention. InformationWeek.

Audit Finds Tennessee Telehealth Firm Misused More Than $1.2 Million

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A not-for-profit telehealth firm in Tennessee misplaced or misspent $1.2 million in grants and other funds over three years, according to a state comptroller audit report. The report says officials misused funds to purchase unauthorized software, among other infractions. Memphis Commercial Appeal et al.

Study: Internet Access Can Help Extend Health Care to Rural Residents

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report concludes that expanding telehealth services can help elderly residents living in rural areas obtain better health care. The report links the availability of telehealth services to expanded broadband Internet capabilities. Eureka Times-Standard.

Shortage of Specialists Prompting Hospitals To Adopt eICU Technology

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

More than three dozen U.S. hospital systems have implemented electronic intensive care units, or eICUs, in response to a shortage in critical care specialists. Such systems rely on telehealth technology to connect remote doctors with critically ill patients. Arizona Republic.

Payment, Regulatory Issues Hinder Remote Access to Specialty Care

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Telehealth is becoming more popular, but it is not as common in providing remote access to specialty care. Doctors often do not receive reimbursement for such services, and licensing rules can prevent them from treating out-of-state patients. NPR's "Morning Edition."

FCC Extends Funding for Telehealth Services at Rural Medical Centers

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Federal Communications Commission will extend funding for telehealth services at rural hospitals. The funding was scheduled to end June 30, and FCC will seek to make the funding permanent for the affected facilities. Becker's Hospital Review, Grand Island Independent.

New Monitoring Tools Aim To Help Seniors Remain in Their Homes

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Bed sensors, electronic pill boxes and robots are among the many technologies that are gaining popularity as part of a concept called "aging in place." Such tools aim to help seniors remain in their homes by monitoring them for signs of illness or infirmity. Los Angeles Times.

Obama Creates Rural Council To Advise on Health IT, Other Issues

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

President Obama has signed an executive order creating the White House Rural Council, which will develop policy recommendations on issues facing rural communities. One of the council's first discussion areas will be improving access to health care through IT. AHA News et al.

ONC Launches i2 Initiative To Encourage Health IT Innovation

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT launched the Investing in Innovations Initiative, or the i2 Initiative, which aims to encourage health IT innovation through competitions and prizes. ONC awarded nearly $5 million to two organizations to fund projects supporting health IT research and development. The Hill's "Healthwatch," CQ HealthBeat.

Report: Telehealth a Possible Solution to Health Care Challenges

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report says telehealth can help health care providers overcome issues tied to access, quality and the high costs of care. The report outlines common telehealth barriers and offers recommendations to overcome them. NextGov's "Health IT Update," CMIO.

CMS Rule Takes Aim at Telehealth Barriers; Stakeholders Say More Still Needs To Be Done

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Gary Capistrant of the American Telemedicine Association, Scott Cooper of CMS' Office of Clinical Standards and Quality, and Scott Simmons of the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine spoke with iHealthBeat about a new CMS rule that eases the process for the credentialing and privileging of telehealth practitioners.

Pfizer To Launch Clinical Trial Tapping Mobile Phones, Web

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Pfizer has announced the launch of a home-based clinical drug trial that will allow participants to submit information about their symptoms using mobile phone applications and online assessments. The pharmaceutical company is recruiting participants through online advertisements, and patients can enroll in the study through the trial's website. Wall Street Journal.

Michigan Autism Center Receives $500K Grant for Telehealth Program

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Eastern Michigan University's Autism Collaborative Center plans to use a $500,000 state grant to develop a telehealth initiative. The program will allow therapists to use a Web-based video system to evaluate and treat children with autism. FierceMobileHealthcare, EMU release.

Telecommunications Providers Expanding Telehealth Services

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

An IDC Health Insights report notes that since 2010, telecommunications providers -- including AT&T, Sprint and Verizon -- have been expanding telehealth services. The report forecasts that the federal health reform law will prompt more telehealth initiatives. InformationWeek.

Bill Designed To Expand Telehealth Services for Service Members

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A bill introduced by Rep. Glenn Thompson seeks to improve medical care access for veterans across the nation by making it easier for health care providers to treat patients in different states using telehealth services. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, National Journal.

Mobile Phones Improve Diabetes Care in Rural Locations, Study Finds

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Telehealth technology can improve diabetes care for patients living in underdeveloped, remote locations, according to a Veterans Administration and University of Michigan study. Nearly all study participants said such services improved management of the disease. Medscape.

New Mexico Telehealth Program Shows Promise for Chronic Illness Care

Fri, 20 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that the number of hepatitis C consultations provided in New Mexico increased significantly after the launch of a program enabling specialists to hold weekly videoconferences with physicians in rural and underserved areas. CMIO, Health Affairs' "Health Affairs Blog."

Telehealth Reduces Mortality Rates, Length of Stay for ICU Patients

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Journal of the American Medical Association study finds that telehealth can be beneficial for intensive care unit patients. Researchers found telehealth lowered patient mortality rates and decreased their length of stay in the hospital. HealthDay et al.

Survey: 7% of Physicians Use Videoconferencing To Meet With Patients

Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new Manhattan Research survey finds that about 7% of physicians use online videoconferencing tools to communicate with patients. The survey also concludes that certain specialists are more likely to use such telehealth tools. Healthcare IT News.

Remote Consultations Present New Revenue Source for Physicians

Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Presenters at the recent Institute for Health Technology Transformation Summit said some doctors are collecting extra revenue through remote consultations. Patients could be willing to pay more for telehealth services because of the added convenience. InformationWeek.

Study: Smart Phone App Helps Doctors Diagnose Acute Stroke Remotely

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

University of Calgary researchers have developed a smart phone application that could help remote physicians diagnose a stroke. The app allows doctors to view high-resolution 3-D images on an iPhone, iPad or Android smart phone. Calgary Herald, International Business Journal.

Physician-Patient E-Mail: Why Aren't We Using a 'Low-Tech' Tool To Boost Quality?

Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Surveys show that most Americans want the ability to e-mail with their physicians. However, recent research finds that the percentage of physicians who expressed a future interest in using e-mail to communicate with patients actually has decreased. Meanwhile, adherence to best practices is declining among physicians who do use e-mail.