Mike Thompson: “Telemedicine has been in existence for over 30 years but has only recently become one of the fastest growing areas of…”

“Telemedicine has been in existence for over 30 years but has only recently become one of the fastest growing areas of medicine. Telemedicine allows a consulting physician at one location to observe a patient or interpret data at another location via two-way audio or video links. Dermatology, oncology, cardiology, radiology, and surgery are just a few of the areas of medicine that have felt the positive impact of this technology. If someone represents a rural district, as I do, they have heard from constituents who often have to travel long distances to consult with medical specialists. Telemedicine allows these same individuals to consult with their primary-care physician and a specialist at the same time without the burdens of extraordinary travel, but telemedicine does not just help rural districts. This field of medicine has the potential to provide a wider range of services to all underserved communities, both rural and urban. The benefits of telemedicine are numerous; but in order to encourage its growth, we still need to research and answer a few critical questions.”