TeleCardio
A New Advance in Telemedicine
By Juancarlos Ospino
Transforming Access to Medical Care for Elderly Cardiac Patients
Problem
There is a disparity in the geographic distribution of physicians across our country. This results in many underserved regions. Underserved communities disproportionately affect minorities, elderly and patients with chronic medical conditions, especially heart disease.
Motivation
The literature shows that access to care can be partially addressed by the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine is the ability to deliver clinical health care via secure connections. Telemedicine software is currently being used to connect patients with providers. The shared data and images must be HIPAA compliant. 610,000 people die each year in the US from heart disease. This means 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country. Minority groups are the most adversely affected with less access to care.
Methodology
Telemedicine software is currently being used to connect patients with providers. The shared data and images must be HIPAA compliant. I will review the current use of telemedicine and the prospects for the future.
Arduino is an open source computer hardware and software company. Arduino board designs use a variety of microprocessors and controllers. They have both digital and analog Input/Output (I/O) pins that interface with expansion boards and other circuits. The Arduino project will provide the integrated development environment.
Implications
The use of Telemedicine has been shown to improve access to care, to increase physician capacity, and to improve the quality the efficiency and the costs of care. Tele-Cardio will make it easier for patients to connect to their doctors. More needs to be done to make this valuable Technology available to patients who need better access to medical care. In home virtual visits are only reimbursed by Medicaid. This needs to be addressed. The majority of these patients are Medicare
