About Telehealth
Telehealth and telemedicine may mean different things. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.Other times are specific to a function related to video or remote calls involving a health professional and a person seeking health information.
The use of telehealth in rural areas is dependent on access to the internet. If available, it can provide a valuable connection to a healthcare provider that is miles away.
- Types of Telehealthfrom Northeast Telehealth Resource Center
- mHealth (mobile health)-telehealth or telemedicine services supported by smart phones and tablets.
- Remote Monitoring-typically includes sensors on a device or an interface to the patient to share input with the provider.
- Store & Forward-range from simple software to complex stand alone devices that are integrated into an electronic medical record
- Live Video-Interactive video conferencing, such as Zoom
- What is TelehealthFrom HHS written for patients
- Telehealth in Rural America: Disruptive Innovation for the Long Term?Center for Health Care Strategies. Policy Cheat Sheet, June 19, 2020
Patients and Providers
For information relating specifically to providers, there is information in the Workforce tab.
In regard to patients, they may come from a variety of backgrounds, healthcare needs and other groupings that you may find the literature has segmented. Consider this as you look at the literature. Veterans, elders/seniors, children, diabetics, etc.
Telehealth books
A Virtual Care Blueprint: How Digital Health Technologies Can Improve Health Outcomes, Patient Experience, and Cost-effectiveness by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9781000417289Publication Date: 2021The Covid-19 pandemic prompted healthcare systems around the globe to quickly explore and subsequently adopt digital health technologies.
Longyear III explores the science, frontline clinical perspectives, and potential impact of RPM-based virtual care programs.
Telehealth policy and statements
American Medical Association
- AMA Policies on Telehealth and Related TopicsAmerican Medical Association (AMA)
Various Associations
- Telehealth SectionAmerican College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
Includes Practice Guidance, Newsletters, etc. - Policy: Telehealth and TelemedicineAmerican Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
- CMS Physician Payment Rule Promotes Greater Access to Telehealth Services, Diabetes Prevention ProgramsCenter for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Nov 02, 2021
Medicare Parts A & B
Health Resources and Services Administration
- HRSA-Office for the Advancement of Telehealth...our telehealth grant programs promote and advance telehealth services in rural areas.
Internet and Cell Phone Access
- Mapping Broadband Health in AmericaFederal Communications Commission
- High Speed Broadband: Definitions Matter [blog]PolicyMap Blog, Maggie McCullough March 21, 2022.
Looks at how broadband is defined may change how the data shows access.
Searching the literature for...
Journals with a focus on telehealth or technology in health communication.
- mHealthan open-access, peer-reviewed journal published by AME Publishing Company. The journal aims at discovering impact of telemedicine on the quality, cost effectiveness, and access to healthcare, and providing excellent coverage of developments in telemedicine and e-health with a focus on clinical trials of telemedicine applications.
Selected articles
- Use Of Telemedicine For ED Physician Coverage In Critical Access Hospitals Increased After CMS Policy ClarificationArticle in Health Affairs, Vol. 37, Iss. 12, (Dec 2018): 2037-2044,2044A
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