ATSP reports gains in telemedicine usage

ATSP reports gains in telemedicine usage

The Association of Telemedicine Service Providers has released a report that describes a substantial increase in telemedicine programs and consultations across the U.S. The 1998 Report on U.S. Telemedicine Activity reveals that telemedicine is active in 46 states, with California, New York, Texas, and North Carolina ranking highest in the number of usage incidents. While telemedicine is still being used primarily for specialist consultations and second opinions, such other applications as managing chronic illness, surgical follow-up, and home care are becoming more common.

ATSP of Portland, OR, surveyed 141 programs and identified 16 others for a total of 157 active programs, up from only 10 in 1993. Eighteen new programs were started in 1998, and about 10% of all the programs surveyed are less than a year old. One hundred operate out of academic medical centers and healthcare/hospital networks. More than 45 clinical specialties were represented, with roughly 41,000 teleconsultations in 1997, a 90% increase over the previous year. The number of teleconsultations done in 1998 is expected to reach 58,000. ATSP is offering the 1998 Report on U.S. Telemedicine Activity to nonmembers for $295.

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