What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine allows health care professionals in remote locations treat, evaluate and diagnose patients using telecommunications technology. Using computer technology, telemedicine (also known as “telehealth” or “e-health”) allows the patient to avoid travel, and still receive medical expertise quickly and efficiently. Without leaving their facility, medical providers are able to serve patients in multiple locations, reducing costs and time wasted during travel. It also allows practitioners to communicate with each other.

Telemedicine has quickly become a standard medical practice and is used daily on a world-wide level.

The NIH Foundation supports the expansion of telemedicine communication by purchasing costly equipment for NIHD. By acquiring modern technological equipment, the NIH Foundation saves patients the hassles involved with costly and timely travel often required to meet with specialists.