Telemedical services involve sending medical information via phone, computer, video conferencing or any other sort of technological transfer. The type of telehealth services you want to provide determines the type of telemedicine equipment and supplies you'll need.

Patients want answers as soon as possible. By adding telemedicine services to an existing practice or home health care agency you can answer questions, provide prescriptions, make appointments, give lab results, order radiological interpretations in 24 hours or less and keep up to the minute patient records using wireless devices. When considering a move into telemedicine service, remember the following:

1. Telemedicine service requires an investment in telemedicine products. These products can range from wireless devices for vitals, private telecommunication setups, radiology sending and receiving stations and specialized voice machines for dictations or conferencing.

2. Some telemedicine systems may confuse patients, and not all patients will want to take part in offered telemedicine services, especially those with home health care. An informal survey of your current patients can help you determine if telemedicine is beneficial for your practice.

3. You can work anywhere with telehealth equipment and software. A medical practice with telemedicine can help people in rural areas or even third world countries.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop around for telemedicine equipment

A home health care agency needs telemedicine equipment that records vitals, sends instant reports and allows for follow-up. A clinical practice benefits from a variety of telemedicine equipment, but needs a focus on teleradiology service, online doctor consultations and a mobile telemedicine system, such as a teleotoscope or telestethoscope.

I recommend: Browse a wide selection of telemedicine equipment available at AMD Global Telemedicine. Enhance your home health care agency with telehealth equipment from Carematix.

Focus on one particular aspect of telemedicine service

While branching out helps you offer patients a wider range of services, focusing on one aspect of telemedicine helps you master that system and become an expert in your field. You can specialize in teleradiology service or ICU telemedicine service.

I recommend: Sign up with Advanced ICU Care and gain the ability to provide intensive treatment to critically ill patients via a network interface. Visit IDS Healthcare for a listing of radiological equipment suppliers.

Provide patient care when you're not there with advanced telehealth software and equipment

The best thing about telemedicine service providers is their ability to be in two places at one time. Advanced telehealth equipment makes it possible for a physician or nurse to be in a patient's hospital room, while still sitting at their desk. These advanced services also help physicians provide reputable care to patients in isolated areas, who might otherwise have to travel hundreds of miles.

I recommend: InTouch Health provides a state of the art robot that travels from patient to patient, giving patients plenty of interaction even though you aren't physically in the room. Link to patients, nurses or other doctors using a video conferencing system from Global Media Group.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're starting a new practice, but want to get started with telemedicine service, consider setting up a website for online appointments, prescription refills and non-emergency consultations. Utilizing email and phone services can cut down on your office waiting times and make your staff more efficient.