Creating Telemedicine-Based Medical Networks for Rural and Frontier Areas

Advances in sensor technology, wireless networks, mobile monitoring devices, and telecommunications have all made it possible to address the increasingly dire shortage of health care professionals in rural areas. The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides funding to support a telemedicine infrastructure for rural areas. It also provides funding to support wellness initiatives, which are important ways to reduce the demand for emergency medical treatment. In his report, Dr. Graziplene offers a three part approach that can leverage these Recovery Act initiatives to respond to the health care crisis in rural and frontier areas.