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Efficacy of tele-endoscopy in a rural capitated market
P L Moses1, J J McGowan, M A Ricci
1Vermont Initiative for Rural Health Informatics and Telemedicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, USA.
Purpose:
To attempt to quantify the potential for success of tele-endoscopy as a component of the VTMEDNET Plus telemedicine implementation, a multi-part prospective study was undertaken by faculty of the Vermont Initiative for Rural Health Informatics and Telemedicine.
Method:
The study was comprised of three separate parts, evaluation of image quality, cost analysis, and identification of referring providers needs and attitudes regarding tele-endoscopy.
Findings:
The image quality was satisfactory to support remote diagnosis in most cases; there was significant cost savings in a managed care environment; referring providers were generally positive about the attributes of tele-endoscopy.
Conclusion:
Tele-endoscopy is a viable and cost-effective component within a telemedicine system.