[Present telemedicine and its problems in Wakayama Prefecture--from experiences of diagnosing by televised pathology]

The purpose of the telemedicine would be providing advanced medical information for diagnosis and therapy to everyone living in rural districts with proper medical expenses. Telepathology is one of the best solutions for the problem of absolute shortage of number in certified pathological doctors in Wakayama. We employed the computerized microscope (OLMICOSW, Olympus) equipped with remote control system via ISDN, which had a great advantage that pathologists could manipulate the remote microscope and select the appropriate diagnostic field of tissue samples. The telepathology system in Wakayama has produced following results: 1) The system has been well managed by the contract exchanged between the university hospital and a remote hospital. 2) The remote hospital does not need special pathology technician. 3) Official workers in the hospital have deep understanding for the importance of pathological diagnosis through the process on introduction of telepathology system. 4) The telepathology system has improved medical levels in the remote hospital, resulting good contribution to patients and to medical economy of the hospital.