ATSP report surveys applications, growth in telemedicine industry
ATSP report surveys applications, growth in telemedicine industry
A Healthcare InfoTech Staff Report
Growth and diversification characterize the state of telemedicine, according to a report just released by the Association of Telemedicine Service Providers (ATSP; Portland, OR), a trade association promoting telemedicine initiatives through research, advocacy and education. The report is an indexed desktop reference for professionals seeking an overview of the growing telemedicine industry.
Survey results come from respondents representing 141 U.S. telemedicine programs most of them less than four years old. They reported a 90% growth in activity from 1996 to 1997, and 1Q98 statistics indicate further growth. The most active specialties include mental health, cardiology, dermatology, orthopedics, and radiology, with the report offering detailed data on the program services provided.
Distribution of growth, however, is not uniform, according to the report.
Maturing programs averaged higher activity levels. More than 20% of the reported activity came from programs providing telemedicine to prison populations. Expanding access to care for under-served populations remains inconsistent, with coverage varying by state, region and specialty. States most active in this area are California, Texas, North Carolina, New York and Massachusetts.
While gaining access to a consulting specialist is still the most common reason for providing remote care, chronic disease management, follow-up, and diagnostic examination are gaining ground.
Use of desktop computer systems appears to be growing faster than room-based videoconferencing, with a few vendors dominating the videoconferencing market. Over 20 types of peripheral devices are being used, but only a few receive widespread application.
Responses put ISDN, followed by T-1, as the most frequently used communications service. Standard telephone service ranks third, accounting for 20% of services used most often, suggesting a trend toward compromise between bandwidth and cost, according to the report’s analysis.
For now, programs using telemedicine to reduce costs of care such as in prison telemedicine appear more active than those seeking additional revenue (for instance through expanded referral bases). Telemedicine systems also are employed to reduce administrative costs (through videoconferenced meetings) and provide opportunities for patient education and CME.
For more about the report, or to order, call ATSP at (800) 852-3591 or visit www.atsp.org/survey.
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