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Telemedicine has now come of age: The technologies used for telemedicine have evolved and are now mature. Telemedicine has the potential of having a greater impact on the future of medicine than any other modality. In the remote areas, it can bring high-quality health care where none is now available. In global health care, it can enhance and standardize the quality of medical care throughout the world. Through its mobile units, it can provide urgently needed health care in instances of natural disaster, such as earthquakes, or in military operations. It is the most cost-effective means of providing continuing medical education. By linkage between a medical facility and individual homes, it can provide home health care and health education. Telemedicine is, in the final analysis, bringing reality to the vision of an enhanced accessibility of medical care and a global network of health care.
Political Interest: “We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost.” President Barack Obama Inaugural Address.
Industry Projections: Telemedicine, a $2.5 Billion industry, expected to grow to $27 Billion in 5 years.
Economic Stimulus An immediate $2 billion would be available to HHS for health IT infrastructure, training, telemedicine, grants as part of the economic stimulus bill.
Low penetration: Used sporadically in closed end systems, primarily in rural areas.
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