Disease management via telehealth: technology tools for the year 2005

Telemedicine has been historically perceived in primarily the medical domain. Teleconsultation, medical consultation from physician to physician using telemedicine technology, has been the primary activity to date when telemedicine is considered. In contrast, however, telemedicine's core definition means tele-'distance' and mederi-'healing'. Within the root definition of 'distance healing' is the yet to be unleashed capability of telemedicine technology. Distance healing can be achieved in many venues: patient to nurse, from medical nutrition therapist to patient, from wound therapist to physician, and so on. Professionals such as social psychologists, respiratory therapists, etc. can also practice within the purview of distance healing. An expanded perspective of telemedicine is beyond physician teleconsultation as the prevailing use of the technology. What has been accomplished thus far in the evolution of telemedicine may be just the tip of the iceberg in terms of potential for the impact on costs, patient care and the health care delivery system in the U.S. and in other countries. All health providers can and should leverage this technology in their practice to benefit patient care.