Burns follow-up: an innovative application of telemedicine

We assessed the efficiency and effectiveness of burn consultations via telemedicine. The Regions Hospital Burn Center completed 87 follow-up visits with 40 patients via telemedicine from March 1997 to August 1998. These consultations involved burn physicians, occupational therapists and a clinical psychologist. Patients were seen at 15 telemedicine sites in six states (Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin). Telemedicine burn consultations were cost-effective for the patient, but were more time consuming for the physician and therapist. As remote sites become more familiar with preparing patients for teleconsultations, telemedicine will become more efficient for the physician while remaining cost-effective for the patient.