'Enhancing the Health Care Delivery System Through Telemedicine'

February 26, 2009

State Capitol Room 2040, 1-3 p.m.

Session Objective:

Access to necessary health care services can be severely limited by distance, transportation options, and availability of health care providers, particularly specialists. Telemedicine has the potential to enhance access to specialized medical consulting, remote medical procedures, and medical examinations through the transfer of medical information via broadband Internet or other networks. Telemedicine can also positively affect health care quality and outcomes (e.g., by allowing for appropriate and timely care), and reduce costs (e.g., through fewer hospitalizations). Realization of all of these potential benefits, however, will require more than investments in technology alone.

This forum will:

• Provide a context of current telemedicine and e-health initiatives in California and the U.S., examining how care is provided to underserved populations in both rural and urban areas.
• Describe changes to financing/payment systems to encourage the wider adoption of telemedicine and expand it from an appealing technology to a valuable tool to enhance the health care delivery system and optimize services.
• Discuss design and implementation challenges, including attracting specialists, reimbursing for services, and having the right people and systems in place to help ensure the success of telemedicine programs.

Panelists:

• Thomas S. Nesbitt, MD, MPH, executive associate dean for clinical and administrative affairs, UC Davis School of Medicine, and executive director of telehealth services, California Center for Connected Health (facilitator)
• Speranza Avram, MPA, consultant, Speranza Avram & Associates
• Richard S. Baker, MD, executive director, Drew Urban Telemedicine Program
• Christine Martin, MBA, PMP, executive director, California Telemedicine & eHealth Center