Telemedicine is defined as the use of
electronic commmunication and information technologies to provide and support health care
when distance separates the participants. VA Telemedicine in Action highlights some
of the ongoing innovative applications which utilize different communications technologies
to improve health care for veterans. Teleradiology- VA has led the way in the development and
implementation of filmless digital radiology systems in clinical settings. The Baltimore
VAMC implemented the first filmless radiology dept. in the US in 1993 and currently links
facilities in the VA Capitol Network (VISN 5) for teleradiology support. Telepathology- The National Performance Review Hammer
Award winning telepathology project linking the Milwaukee-Iron Mountain VAMCs in the VA
Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12) provides unique telepathology service utilizing a
hybrid dynamic/store and forward telepathology system. Telecardiology- The VA through the Pacemaker Surveillance
Center Programs located on the East Coast at the Washington VAMC and on the West Coast at
the San Francisco VAMC provides timely, cost effective and important followup pacemaker
monitoring for thousands of patients annually. Telemental Health- A clinical research project is underway at the Baltimore VAMC to evaluate and examine the use of distance videoconferencing in the assessment/treatment of mood disorder. A demonstration project at the Milwaukee/Iron Mountain VAMCs provides improvement in access to rural mental health care using compressed digital videoconferencing linkages. Teledermatology- Dermatologists at the Baltimore VAMC
utilize videoconferencing and store and forward imaging to assess skin conditions.
Researchers at the Durham, NC HSR& D have initiated a two year project evaluating and
examining teledermatology. Telecare in Diabetes: Researchers at the Boston VAMC are
using a home based information tool/clinical workstation to examine the effects of
enhancing services for patients with diabetes. Teledentistry- Innovative uses of digital imaging/dental
radiology to enhance overall delivery of dental services and ongoing education. Telenuclear Medicine- For over twenty years, nuclear
medicine images have been shared regularly between a number of VAMCs utilizing cost
effective, "low tech" transmission to facilitate consultative services in
nuclear medicine. Telephone Liaison Care Program (TLCP)- Telephone liasion
care programs are in place at all VAMCs to provide information, guidance and direction for
patients. Many facilities have had a TLC program in place for many years. TLCP has proven
to be effective in improving customer satisfaction, reducing clinic waiting times both for
appointments and the time to be seen by a team member. Networks in Action
FEEDBACK Comments, questions or updates regarding Telemedicine in Action may be Bonnie Leibel at bonnie.leibel@mail.va.gov
|
| First Page | Prev Page | Next Page | Back to
Text |