Health Information Careers Blog

Telehealth and Telemedicine have advantages if it is utilized not as a replacement for in-person care, but as a supplement to particular cases.  For example, care for correctional facilities is where Telehealth can be provided for more consistent basic care.  Patients that live in very remote areas can benefit from this type of care when a specialist consult or routine/basic care is needed.   The capabilities for Telehealth/ telemedicine are limitless as technology increases.   Information in any form is needed by clinicians in order to provide quality care for patients.  EHRs, EMRs, PHRs, and CCRs help increase the exchange of information, allowing caregivers to have information readily available so decisions can be made for patient care.  The more electronic we become with our information exchange, the greater the impact will be in the quality of care provided to any patient, whether in-person or via the internet.  Security and privacy will always be a concern.   No matter how many laws/regulations and standards we abide by, there will always be the threat of a breach.   Diligence and education, in this area, is such an important piece to everyone.  We are all patients in the healthcare arena, and each one of us has accountability with our information.  Whether we see a caregiver in a hospital, office setting, or by conferencing online, protection of data is everyone’s responsibility.   I will be interested to see how insurance companies will pay for this type of service.  Stay tuned!